'Why would Hazard want to leave Chelsea?' - ex-Blues captain

With the Belgian continuing to be linked with a move to Real Madrid, an ex-skipper questions why he should even consider leaving

Eden Hazard has no reason to leave Chelsea, according to former Stamford Bridge captain John Hollins.

Hazard has regularly been linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent months and has spoken publicly about his desire to play for the Spanish giants in the past.

The Belgium international is currently weighing up whether to extend his current contract past 2020 as speculation continues about his future.

But former Blues skipper Hollins has questioned why Hazard would want to consider leaving at all at this stage of his career, even to a club like Madrid.

“Hazard is happy here, he’s in London, it’s a lovely city and his family are all settled,” Hollins told Love Sport Radio. “Why would you want to get up and settle again when you are on top money, you’re the main man of Chelsea who can do anything you want, and you’re still a Belgium international? You must think to yourself ‘why would I want to move?’

“The players around him suit him, he also uses his skills against players who want to kick him and [those around him] protect him.”

Chelsea face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season under new boss Maurizio Sarri.

And Hollins has been impressed with the impact Sarri had made since replacing Antonio Conte in July.

“[Sarri] is not one that wants to be in the limelight. He sits on the side there and has a cigarette now and again. I don’t know whether that’s what keeps him calm!"

Hollins has also backed Alvaro Morata to succeed at a difficult few months for the striker at Stamford Bridge.

Morata scored just once in his opening nine matches of the campaign but has since scored twice in his last two games ahead of Saturday’s Red Devils visit.

“There’s always someone saying ‘let’s get rid of him and bring somebody else in’ but Morata has scored again now so hopefully that will strengthen his position - and it’s a very good position to be in, whoever is in it," added Hollins.

“You’ve got Hazard, Willian and other people around you. They’ve started off, they haven’t been beaten, they’re playing well, Christmas will come and there might be a few presents bought there and brought into the team and they’ll most probably win the league. Then all of a sudden you’re in the Champions League!”