Eden Hazard has ruled out a departure from Real Madrid as he looks to force himself into Carlo Ancelotti's plans. The 32-year-old faces an increasingly uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu, having recently entered the final 18 months of his contract.
He's suffered a number of injuries since joining the Spanish giants from Chelsea nearly four-years ago and, as a result, the winger has found himself out of favour. Even when match fit, Hazard has struggled to dislodge Vinicius Junior or Marco Asensio from the starting line-up. Indeed, even Federico Valverde, who is typically a box-to-box midfielder, has been preferred on the right-wing at times.
But, despite the trials and tribulations, the Belgium international is determined to prove himself in the Spanish capital instead of seeking a move elsewhere. Speaking to RTBF, as quoted by AS, Hazard revealed that he wants to stay at Real Madrid and that a transfer is not in his plans.
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"I would like to stay," the former Blues winger said. "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 eager to stay at Real Madrid, he outlined that, by using the World Cup as an example, he wants the opportunity to showcase his abilities. 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."
The Chelsea icon continued by revealing that, despite not keeping in contact with Ancelotti, there is a mutual respect between them. Hazard said: "There is respect between us. But I'm not going to say that we talk to each other, because we don't talk to each other.
"But there will always be respect. Even if he doesn't make me play tomorrow... I have to have respect for a guy like Carlo Ancelotti. In what he represents for football, what he has done in his career. No problem."
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