'Slavery was abolished a long time ago' - Hazard will leave Chelsea, says ex-Real Madrid president

Eden Hazard has been tipped to leave the “slavery” of Chelsea by former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon.

The Belgium international, who has long been linked with a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu, has continued to fuel transfer talk with comments regarding his future.

Hazard has ruled out a January move to Spain, but has conceded that Real remain his “dream” destination.

Calderon believes a move will happen as there is little point in those at Stamford Bridge keeping a player against his wishes, especially as his current contract is due to expire in 2020.

A man who spent three years as Blancos president between 2006 and 2009 told beIN Sports: “There’s no point to having a player who wants to go, slavery was abolished a long time ago.

“It depends what Chelsea wants to do, then it's just a question of money between Chelsea and Madrid.” 

Hazard’s hints at an imminent switch are considered to be a good thing for Madrid, with Goal having revealed that those in the Spanish capital are ready to embrace a man starring in the Premier League.

Calderon added: “If a player insists on doing on what he is publicly saying it will be difficult for Chelsea to keep him and for Real Madrid it will be fantastic news.”

Madrid remain in the market for a suitable replacement to Cristiano Ronaldo, with a talismanic presence having departed for Serie A giants Juventus in a €100 million deal.

Hazard has been tipped to fill that void, as a player now in Ballon d’Or contention, and Calderon believes the 27-year-old is capable of becoming the finest player on the planet.

He said: “I see Hazard as a player after Cristiano Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi’s time.

“He is the player that will receive from them the inheritance of being the best player in the world.”

Hazard has impressed for Chelsea this season, netting seven times in the Premier League to lead the likes of Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero in the race for the Golden Boot.

He has also provided a further three assists, while his efforts away from the English top-flight have seen Maurizio Sarri’s side make a positive start to their Europa League campaign and reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.