Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Daniel Orme

James Maddison drops six-word Eden Hazard verdict as Chelsea transfer return ‘explored’

James Maddison has dropped a hugely complimentary verdict on former Chelsea star Eden Hazard as rumours persist over a return to Stamford Bridge. The Belgian playmaker was a hugely influential figure in west London ahead of a big-money move to Real Madrid.

He has not quite been able to replicate the excellent displays that he strung together with the Blues in Spain having been hit with injury and poor form. Hazard has netted just six goals in 65 appearances for Los Blancos, having found the net just once so far this season.

Despite his poor form in Spain, that has not halted rumours over a switch back to Stamford Bridge at some point in the near future. Hazard’s name has long been linked with a return to Chelsea, whilst reports from Goal have suggested that the prospect of the Belgian coming back to west London was set to be explored but the sanctions imposed by the UK Government on current owner Roman Abramovich has put paid to those plans.

READ MORE: Why Roman Abramovich is still allowed to fund Chelsea amid takeover despite government sanctions

Whether that situation remains the same as a takeover inches ever closer remains to be seen but one man would clearly be a fan of Hazard’s return to the Premier League - Leicester City’s James Maddison. The Foxes’ midfielder took to Instagram to express his admiration for the winger.

Responding to a post on Chelsea’s official account via his personal story, the former Norwich City man wrote: “This guy [Hazard] was just silly good.”

It is certainly hard to disagree with Maddison’s verdict of the Belgian, with the ex-Lille man having produced a number of brilliant moments in his time at Stamford Bridge. Before his move to the Santiago Bernabeu, Hazard scored 110 goals for Chelsea, helping the club to two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, an FA Cup and a League Cup.

He currently has just over two years left to run on his Real Madrid contract, whilst Carlo Ancelotti has refused to give assurances over his future in Spain.

Speaking last month, the Italian said: “He is fine and is training well. But I take decisions for the team, if he doesn’t play it’s because I choose someone else.

“He has played games that I believed he could help the team. It is nothing personal and he doesn’t have any physical problems.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.