Andre Schurrle has played down reports linking Eden Hazard with Paris St Germain, stating he expects to link up with his Chelsea pal next season.
Having already lost one talented playmaker this year, when Juan Mata was sold to Manchester United, it seems unthinkable that the Blues would let another go. Especially when the player being linked with an exit is Belgian international Hazard, who scored 16 goals and assisted in 10 more during 47 appearances in all competitions last season and who is largely regarded as the most dangerous player at Stamford Bridge.
However, it has been reported that the former Lille man is considering his future in the English capital, due to comments he made in which he questioned the tactics of Jose Mourinho. This prompted the Portuguese coach to claim the midfielder was not a team player, despite the statistics which would suggest he is exactly that, and this has led to speculation of a huge summer offer from Paris St Germain.
There is little doubt the French champions would relish the opportunity to sign Hazard, who remains under contract at Chelsea until the summer of 2017, and they would certainly have the financial power to lure him back to France. However, his Blues colleague Schurrle fully expects to link up once more with the 23-year-old at Stamford Bridge next season, when he fully expects harmony to be restored at the club once more.
“The manager and the club know that Eden Hazard is a very talented player,” revealed the German international who, like his team-mate, will shortly jet off to Brazil to compete in the World Cup Finals this summer. “I think we should not overestimate these things. Of course statements were published, but I believe Eden is very happy to be with Chelsea and Mourinho is happy to have him. Next season everything will be all right again.”
One player who will make the journey from the English capital to its French equivalent is David Luiz, who has already undergone a medical with the Ligue 1 champions ahead of a transfer which could potentially rise to £50million. It won’t be an easy decision for the 27-year-old, who is a popular figure amongst the Stamford Bridge faithful, and he has already penned an emotional goodbye to the fans of the West London side.
“Thank you Chelsea for three-and-a-half years of a great partnership,” he told Globo Esporte. “I gained friends, matches and titles that will always live on in my memory. I thank the staff, players and the fans – geezers! This story wouldn’t have been possible without you. I am sad to leave because of my friends…but this is a new stage and new challenged and I am sure that together we will go even further. Allez Paris!”
