Eden Hazard has explained the thinking behind his decision to join Chelsea in 2012 after being the subject of interest from a host of Premier League clubs.
In the previous season, Hazard had dazzled the French top tier and it was becoming obvious that he was set for a summer departure.
For a long time, United were regarded as favourites to sign the tricky winger but everything changed when Chelsea, who had finished sixth in the Premier League, won the Champions League.
The former Real Madrid star has now opened up on the thining behind his decision in a recent interview, explaining that the London club’s success in Europe, which secured Champions League qualification for the following season, is what sealed the deal.
“I had a chat with Sir Alex Ferguson [then Manchester United boss],” Hazard told The Obi One Podcast, via the Metro.
“I spoke with Harry Redknapp, at that time he was the manager in Tottenham. I went to Manchester to see the Man City training ground.
“So I had a few options, but not Chelsea because the last year in Lille, Chelsea in the league was not that good. You know when you [John Obi Mikel] won the Champions League, in the league you were like sixth or seventh, I don’t remember.
“I knew I was leaving France to go to the Premier League but not Chelsea, because I wanted to play in the Champions League, you know?
“So that move came because you won the Champions League.”
Hazard won’t be regretting his decision to join Chelsea as he won the Premier League twice and eventually secured his dream move to Real Madrid in 2019.
Hazard announced his retirement from football last year following his departure from Real Madrid.
