Maurizio Sarri has warned Chelsea FC fans that the club will have to “respect” Eden Hazard’s decision if he wants to leave the club this summer.
The Belgian playmaker was the star of the show once again on Monday night as he scored both goals in Chelsea FC’s 2-0 win over West Ham United at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
Hazard has now netted 16 goals and made 12 assists in 32 Premier League games for Sarri’s men to help the Blues up into third place in the Premier League table.
The former Lille star has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid and that speculation is likely to heighten this summer, as Hazard’s current contract is set to expire at the end of next season.
Now, Sarri has admitted that he would love Hazard to stay at Stamford Bridge, but he has appeared to imply that it would be difficult to keep hold of the 28-year-old should he make his desire to leave clear.
Speaking to Sky Sports after Monday night’s win over West Ham, Sarri said: “I cannot do anything [to keep him], because the club agrees with me, but if Eden wants to make another experience, it is very difficult to keep him, I think.
“[We will try to persuade him] that we are trying to improve, to become one of the best teams in England, and as a consequence in Europe, but I think I have to respect his decision.”
He added: “[£100m] is too cheap, in this market it’s too cheap. We have seen in the last market window every price I think. So I think it is really very hard to change Hazard with another player.”
Chelsea FC will return to Europa League action on Thursday night when they travel to Slavia Prague for the first leg of their quarter-final tie.
They will then turn their attentions towards their Premier League showdown with leaders Liverpool FC at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.