Belgium boss Roberto Martinez backs Chelsea star to quit for Real Madrid

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has urged his captain Eden Hazard to leave Chelsea for European champions Real Madrid this summer.

Last week, Hazard dropped a bombshell after beating England to the third spot in the World Cup.  The talented attacker hinted that he is ready to leave Stamford Bridge for pastures anew. And Roberto Martinez has now encouraged the Belgian star to quit Chelsea and join Madrid.

“Players need new challenges and new projects. Perhaps it’s a good time for [Chelsea] and for Eden [to split]. I would be very surprised if Chelsea didn’t have big offers for him right now,” Martinez told Cadena Ser’s ‘El Larguero’ radio show. (h/t the Daily Mirror)

“It could be the best time [for Hazard] to try something different.

“He is a player who has maturity and a lot of leadership. His play is based on talent.

“Hazard could carry a new project anywhere in the world. He is at the best moment of his career. He could fit in any team in the world.”

Eden Hazard

Our club appointed Maurizio Sarri to replace Antonio Conte last week and the Italian manager has already brought in Jorginho from his former club Napoli. Although Sarri must bring his own set of players, he is believed to value Hazard’s presence in the squad, claims the Daily Mirror.

And why not? Hazard, 27, has helped Chelsea win every possible trophy apart from Europe’s biggest prize in his time at Stamford Bridge. While we won’t be playing in the Champions League next term, Hazard can help our club challenge for the Premier League title and of course, the Europa League.

The Belgian ace, who showcased his sublime talent and skill in the World Cup in Russia, is a player to keep and not sell even if the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona come up with sensational offers. The playmaker still has two years remaining on his current contract and Sarri must persuade him to stay as he can be the real difference-maker next season.

Read more: Sarri on a roll as Chelsea enter race to sign £115m Serie A star – swap deal in place

Hazard, signed from Ligue 1 side Lille in 2012, has landed the Blues two Premier League titles and he remains our club’s undisputed talisman.