Eden Hazard has confirmed that he wants to see out the remainder of his contract at Real Madrid, ruling out a move in the summer. The 32-year-old forward faces an increasingly uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu with his contract set to expire at the end of next season.
Unfortunately for Hazard, his time in the Spanish capital has been plagued by injuries and he hasn't quite had the desired impact since his record-breaking move from Chelsea four-years ago. As a result, even when fit, the Belgium international has found himself out of favour, having struggled to dislodge Vinicius Junior or Marco Asensio from the starting line-up.
Even Federico Valverde, who is typically a box-to-box midfielder, has been preferred by Carlo Ancelotti on the right-wing at times. But, despite the trials and tribulations, Hazard is determined to prove himself at Real Madrid and honour the final year of his deal.
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Speaking to Cadena Cope after Los Blancos' 2-1 over Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final at the weekend, the Belgian revealed his plans for next season. Hazard said: "I hope to play. It's been a difficult year but it's a year with a very big club.
"I have a good relationship with the coach and the players. I want to play but I know that's very difficult. I just have to work and hope I can play more."
Speaking to Belgian broadcaster RTBF in March, Hazard outlined his intention to stay at Real Madrid. The former Chelsea star 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."
With Hazard clearly keen to stay at Real Madrid, he has asked for the the opportunity to truly prove himself. He added: "In the World Cup, I played one game, two games, three games, it was in crescendo.
"I'm not saying that after three months without playing I'm going to score five goals. No, I need time and at Real Madrid... there is no time. But I know what I can still contribute."
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