Chelsea’s Eden Hazard: I rejected Manchester United after Roman Abramovich’s intervention
Eden Hazard has revealed that he held personal conversations with both Sir Alex Ferguson and Roman Abramovich before deciding that he wanted to join Chelsea rather than Manchester United.
Eden Hazard has revealed that he held personal conversations with both Sir Alex Ferguson and Roman Abramovich before deciding that he wanted to join Chelsea rather than Manchester United.
The Belgium international underwent a medical at Stamford Bridge to seal his £34 million move to Chelsea and, even though the new European champions were still without a permanent manager, he said that the intervention of Abramovich had been vital to his decision.
“I spoke with Abramovich, he is very simple and loves football,” Hazard said. “We were on the same wavelength, he wants to confirm Chelsea’s position at the top. Chelsea have made a good investment for me but I did not put any pressure on them.”
Manchester City, Arsenal and T*ttenham were also interested in the former Lille playmaker, but it appears to have come down to a choice between Chelsea and United. Chelsea’s unexpected success in winning the Champions League and thus securing their qualification in the tournament next season was crucial.
“I’ve always said I wanted to play in England. There was a struggle between Chelsea and United, but according to me Chelsea has the best project,” Hazard said.