Chelsea's Eden Hazard is a 'fantastic' player - Real Madrid Boss Zidane

From Left: Real Madrid Manager Zinedine Zidane and Chelsea forward Eden Hazard - Getty

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane admits he has "always appreciated" Chelsea's Eden Hazard amid reported interest from the European champions.


Hazard, 28, had previously said he was torn between a new deal at Stamford Bridge and a "dream" move to Real.

The Belgian's contract at Chelsea expires in June 2020, with reports in Spain claiming the Blues may be willing to sell at the end of this season.

Zidane said: "He's a player I have always appreciated. He is fantastic."

"He has played in France, I have watched him a lot and I know him personally."

Zidane, 46, returned as Real manager following the sacking of Santiago Solari in March.

The Frenchman has not been shy about potential targets on his return, claiming last week that he also likes Manchester United's Paul Pogba "a lot".

Zidane suffered the first defeat of his second spell in charge on Wednesday as his side were beaten 2-1 by Valencia - their ninth league defeat of the season.