Transfer Centre

Eden Hazard outlines admiration for "idol" Zinedine Zidane amid Real Madrid links

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 21 March 2019

Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard fuels speculation that he could join Real Madrid this summer by heaping praise on his "idol" and Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane.

Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard has described Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane as his "idol" and outlined his admiration for the Frenchman amid speculation linking him with a move to the Bernabeu.

Hazard is understood to be one of Madrid's top targets this summer as they plan to revamp their squad following a disappointing season on both the domestic and European fronts.

The Belgian has made no secret of his desire to play for Los Blancos at some stage of his career, although Chelsea's two-window transfer ban could make the Blues even more intent on keeping him at Stamford Bridge this summer.

Hazard has now fuelled the speculation by giving a glowing assessment of Zidane, although he insists that he would still pick national team boss Roberto Martinez ahead of the three-time Champions League-winning manager.

"I have a lot of respect for Zidane. He was my idol. Thanks to him I began playing," Hazard told reporters at a press conference.

"But for the wins achieved with Martinez, I choose him."

Hazard's contract at Chelsea expires in 2020 and the Belgian is yet to announce whether he will leave the club for the Spanish capital at the end of this season.