Eden Hazard: 'I wanted to leave Chelsea'

Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard has admitted that he wanted to leave the club this summer in order to move to Spain.

Hazard has made no secret of his desire to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona at some stage of his career, and Cristiano Ronaldo's exit from the Bernabeu saw the Belgian heavily tipped to replace him in the Spanish capital.

The 27-year-old ultimately stayed at Stamford Bridge, though, and credited new manager Maurizio Sarri with playing a big role in his decision.

"I will tell you the truth, after the World Cup I wanted to leave because my dream is to play in Spain," Hazard told BT Sport.

"But then I talk with the board, the manager and I said 'you don't want me to leave, I can stay'. I am happy to the new manager has come and we are enjoying playing under him."

Hazard has scored six goals in seven appearances for Chelsea so far this season, despite being eased back into the first team after the World Cup.