Chelsea Winger: I was Close to Joining Spurs
Hazard was linked with a host of top European clubs, after having two impressive seasons at Ligue 1 outfit Lille.
Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard claims that he was considering a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer before signing for the Blues.
The Belgium international was linked with a host of top European clubs, after having two impressive seasons at Ligue 1 outfit Lille. The 21-year-old eventually moved to Stamford Bridge for £32m but admits that he was interested in the offer from Spurs.
"It's true that Tottenham tempted me because it was a young team which was third in the league. Unfortunately, the end of the season did not go well. They did not reach the Champions League, which tipped the balance," the Daily Mail quoted Hazard as saying.
Chelsea won the Champions League last term, which ultimately helped them to sign Hazard, but the player said he did not enjoy their style of football.
"Nobody was really a fan of Chelsea's game last season. The directors told me they were going to recruit good players with whom I could play decent football. Marko Marin, Oscar and me, we like to have the ball at our feet. Juan Mata likes the ball, so does Ramires. The title of European champions, and Champions League qualification, counted for a lot because the club was not doing well in the league. Once Chelsea won the final, it was a natural choice," the Telegraph quoted Hazard.
Di Matteo: Hazard, Oscar and Mata can Play Together
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo has played down suggestions that Blues attacking midfielders Oscar, Eden Hazard and Juan Mata cannot play together.
The trio started for the first time in the home game against Stoke City at the weekend. But the European champions struggled to break down the Potters and needed a late goal from defender Ashley Cole to win the game, leading to doubts as to whether the club could field the three playmakers together and be successful.
"I thought that worked very well but it will take time for them to know each other better. It certainly needs more work and practice to tactically integrate them into our system. I want them to have mobility and rotation. They are very intelligent at finding free space," the Guardian quoted the Italian.
It will be interesting to see if the trio start when Chelsea visit Arsenal at the weekend.
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