Chelsea Transfer News: Eden Hazard Restates Spain Dream, 'I Can Leave in a Year'

Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard has admitted he wanted to leave Stamford Bridge over the summer and says it's still his dream to play in Spain, adding that he could leave his current employers "in a year or two."

The Belgium international was closely linked with Real Madrid this year, and before scoring in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Liverpool, he told BT Sport (h/t Mirror's Tom Hopkinson):

"I'll tell you the truth: after the World Cup I wanted to leave.

"It's my dream to play in Spain.

"I could stay at Chelsea for the rest of my career but there is also the possibility that I can leave in a year or two.

"But I love Chelsea and the city. It will be easy to stay at Chelsea. This club is now part of my life."

Hazard continued his sterling season with the opening strike against Liverpool on Saturday, and although the Blues ended up drawing, ESPN FC noted how his individual form in front of goal has been above and beyond:

It's expected that Maurizio Sarri's system will benefit Hazard and could help lift the three-time Chelsea Player of the Year into the elite bracket of player occupied by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Sarri has already seemingly had a beneficial impact on the 27-year-old after he's netted six goals and recorded two assists in his first seven league matches this term.

It's a relationship that could help Chelsea convince their man to remain in southwest London, and Sarri said after Saturday's draw with Liverpool that he wants to see more of his star, per Chelsea's official Twitter account:

While he professes his love for Chelsea, Hazard has a little more than 18 months remaining on his contract, and the topic of his potential departure is a difficult distraction to ignore.

Thibaut Courtois left for Madrid this summer after entering the final year of his deal and then refusing to turn up for training. If Chelsea can't agree a new contract with Hazard before next summer, they run the risk of falling victim to the same circumstance.

One who vouches for the winger's ability is Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, who recently appeared on BBC 5 live Sport and attested the forward's fine form under Sarri:

Hazard's honesty is admirable, but it's a tough reality for Chelsea supporters to accept, knowing the right opportunity to play in Spain could trump anything they have to offer.