Chelsea: Sarri speaks on Hazard's future - '...It's very difficult to keep him'

From Left: Chelsea Manager Maurizio Sarri and forward Eden Hazard - Getty

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri said he must "respect Eden Hazard's decision" if the forward wants to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.


According to BBC Sport, reports on Monday suggested Real Madrid are eager to secure a £100m deal for the 28-year-old Belgium international.

Hazard later scored twice, including one of the goals of the Premier League season, in a 2-0 win over West Ham.

"If Eden wants another experience it's very difficult to keep him," Sarri told Sky Sports.

"Eden played a wonderful match. When he is able to play like this we are lucky because it is easy to win.

"£100m is too cheap in this market - we have seen in the last windows every price.

"The club agrees with me [about wanting to keep Hazard].

"We are trying to improve. We are trying to become one of the best teams in England and, as a consequence, in Europe - but I think I have to respect his decision."

Hazard's contract expires in summer 2020 and he was asked post-match about West Ham fans singing that he was moving to Real Madrid.

"They are wrong. For now, I am just focusing on Chelsea until the end of the season. We still have a lot to do and then we will see."

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Sarri added: "I hope that it is not true. Every coach wants to keep a player like him."