Eden Hazard has revealed that he had already made up his mind to leave Chelsea one year before leaving for Santiago Bernabeu.
After helping the Blues secure a third-place position on the Premier League Table and the Europa League trophy in May, Chelsea had already prepared themselves to lose Hazard this past summer, with Real agreeing an initial fee worth £89million which could rise to £150m with add-ons.
It brought an end to his seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge, leaving with two Premier League titles, two Europa League trophies as well as an FA Cup and League Cup.
The move had been on course as early as the 2018 World Cup although Hazard had always made it clear that Real Madrid is the only club he would leave Chelsea for.
Speaking in a documentary with Real Madrid TV, Hazard revealed that Madrid president, Florentino Perez, Luka Modric and former teammate Thibaut Courtois were influential in his move to Madrid.
“Courtois is someone I know well and in which I trust,” he said.
“He always told me it was the best club.
“When he finished the World Cup in Russia I wanted to go to Madrid, I had already made the decision.
“It was not possible and I was another year Chelsea.
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“That made the exit easier, Chelsea understood and let me out.
“I spoke to Florentino and told me that I expected in Madrid.
“After I spoke with Luka Modric and felt that everyone wanted me see at Real Madrid. And finally fulfilled.”
So far, it hasn’t been a smooth ride for the 28-year-old since arriving Spain as he has struggled to cope with his new team scoring just one goal and two assists in seven appearances across all competitions.
