Eden Hazard could be forced to leave Real Madrid in the summer after Carlo Ancelotti delivered an honest assessment on the former Chelsea's future in Spain.
The 32-year-old faces an increasingly uncertain future with the European champions after constantly struggling for game-time. Hazard's deal at the Santiago Bernabeu expires in the next 18 months and there are no signs of a new one being signed.
One possible deal that has been touted is a return to Stamford Bridge. Hazard left Chelsea nearly four years ago to pursue his "dream" move, but the £89m transfer to Spain hasn't really gone to plan with an abundance of injuries hampering his playing time.
READ MORE: Chelsea's £34m revival reaches brutal end and what Enzo Fernandez did to astonish fans yet again
Hazard was linked with a January exit after falling down Ancelotti’s pecking order to Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde this season. However, he declared his ambition to prove his worth and succeed earlier this year.
Speaking to RTBF, he said: "I would like to stay. I have always said it. I hope to play to show that I can still do it. People have doubts, it's normal. I understand it really good. But for me, I'm still here next year.
"You never know, but a transfer is not in the plan. What can make me change my mind? I don't know. All I think about is playing. That's why I don't even think about leaving. Deep down, I think: 'I can contribute something'.
"Sorry, that's all. If I contribute a little, people will trust me again. They may tell themselves that they made a mistake in leaving me out. I only need minutes in my legs."
This season, the Belgium international has only made seven appearances in all competitions - scoring one and assisting another. Now, with potential suitors pondering a move for the forward at the end of the season, Ancelotti has hinted at his stance regarding Hazard.
"I'm not here to give each player minutes, I'm here to win games," he told broadcaster Eleven Belgium. "I put the best starting eleven to win games.
"I don't look at how much a player earns or his age, it's just about performances."
A return to Chelsea has previously been tipped and with Hazard's future in Spain seemingly coming to an end, there remains the possibility that Todd Boehly may consider the move.
READ NEXT:
Every word Graham Potter said on Everton draw, Chelsea frustration, Fofana, Felix, Havertz, more
Chelsea player ratings vs Everton as Felix shines, Fernandez great, Koulibaly makes costly error
Graham Potter reveals extent of Wesley Fofana injury in Chelsea draw with Everton
Carlo Ancelotti fires Chelsea warning as Jose Mourinho makes major snub in Real Madrid prediction
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
