Eden Hazard won’t be playing another season for Lille in France, or for any other French club. He announced his plans to play in England earlier this season, and now has dropped a hit that narrows down his 2012-2013 option to two clubs – Manchester City or Chelsea.
Speaking to the media after Lille secured another Champions League berth with a 3-0 win over Caen, Hazard delivering one of the assists to the goals, Hazard was asked about his next team – I have already said that my wish is to go to the Premier League. Later he was asked about which color he prefers – Red or Blue, referring to the interest from both Manchester clubs. Hazard answered – It’s the blue that I’ll be wearing next season. Definitely the blue.
Most of the big clubs in England and Europe have been regarded as possible destinations for Hazard. Arsenal with the French connection through Arsene Wenger; Chelsea, who already signed three Belgian players last season and might be looking to extend that trend with the best player Belgium and probably Ligue 1 has to offer.
And then there’s the Manchester teams battling it out. Both Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini have expressed their interest in the player. Last week Hazard was present at Manchester for the derby, with rumors telling he was looking at potential houses. That might clear up the question regarding Chelsea or Manchester City, but those are just rumors.
About to finish his fourth full season with Lille, Hazard couldn’t carry Les Dogues to another surprising title, but finishing in the top 3, leaving teams like Lyon and Marseille well behind is quite an achievement for Rudi Garcia and his players. All this after selling Cabaye, Gervinho and later Moussa Sow.
Hazard took on scoring duties as well, finding the net 17 times in 35 league matches, adding 16 assists to his tally, directly involved in half of Lille’s goals this season. He also produced what is probably the assist of the year in Europe, in the 2-1 win over PSG.