Eden Hazard says he is “happy at Chelsea” but has refused to rule out a future move to Real Madrid.
Talk of a possible switch to Spain for the Belgium international refuses to go away, with the Blancos long-standing admirers of the talented 27-year-old.
With Real expected to spend big over the summer on the back of a forgettable 2017-18 campaign, it has been suggested that interest in Hazard will be stepped up.
He is yet to commit to the fresh terms at Stamford Bridge which have been mooted for some time and continues to leave the exit door opened when quizzed on a fresh start at Santiago Bernabeu.
“In football you never know,” Hazard told Marca when pressed on the latest Real rumours.
“I'm happy at Chelsea, and focused on them.”
Those in Madrid have stopped short of confirming their transfer plans when it comes to Hazard, but Zinedine Zidane has openly admitted to being a fan in the past.
He has talked up the Belgian at regular intervals, with comments made in 2015 hinting that an approach will be made at some stage.
Zidane said: "After Messi and Ronaldo, Hazard is my favourite player. It is spectacular to see him play.
"Do I see him going to Real Madrid? I love the player, that's all I will say."
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And Hazard has welcomed the praise, with the Chelsea forward admitting that Real’s boss – who was a Ballon d’Or winner in his playing days – is an “idol” of his.
He added: “I remember 10 years ago, when he first spoke about me, it was incredible.
“He was my idol when I was a child, I have seen thousands of videos about him and now he is the manager of one of the best clubs in the world, so yes, it is a luxury [to hear his praise].
“But I do not want to stop, I want to continue working and striving on the field and then yes, I love it when people like him speak well of me.”
While Chelsea, like Madrid, have struggled for consistency this season, Hazard has continued to star with 13 goals and four assists contributed across all competitions.
