PSG tried more than once to sign me, reveals Eden Hazard

After years of speculation, Real Madrid finally signed Eden Hazard this summer, for a fee that will rise towards €170 million, with the Belgian making an immediate impact. The former LOSC Lille star walked away as arguably one of Chelsea’s best players in the last decade and a Blues’ legend winning six trophies in his seven-year spell with the club. But, with him improving year after year and slowly becoming a Premier League superstar, Hazard had the world after his signature.

This included persistent interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona and even Manchester United but the Belgian has revealed that PSG were one of his many suitors. The Parisians were looking for their superstar before signing Neymar and in an interview, Hazard went on to admit that PSG did enquire over a move but the Belgian refused as he would only return to France for LOSC Lille.

"They often tried to recruit me, but I didn't want to return to Ligue 1 unless it was to join Lille. I always said no to them. In my head everything is clear. It is a team that would give you a chance of winning the Champions League, but they are not among my priorities. If I return to Ligue 1, it will be Lille," he said in an interview with L'Equipe.

The former Chelsea man has kept a close eye on his former sides with the Blues doing remarkably well despite losing Hazard and handed a two-window transfer ban. That has caused a few problems but new manager Frank Lampard has used their youth academy prospects well and the arrival of Christian Pulisic after a January 2019 move has helped their cause. But Hazard went on to admit that his former side should be favourites for the title but it won’t be easy.

“Of course I think so. It’s not going to be easy. It’s hard to play there. Last time we played them we lost 6-0, so bad memories for me and for Chelsea as well but I think this season they are really good. They are really young, but they are really good, so why not go there and win the game?

“When I watch them, no Hazard but it’s a party! They can score, they score a lot of goals, the fans are happy, they are third in the league, so it’s going to be a great season. ‘They just need to stay there, win games and that’s it,” he added.