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28 March 2024

Hazard chooses Chelsea over Man United

Lille playmaker Eden Hazard announces he will join Chelsea. (FILE)

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By Staff

Eden Hazard has announced on Twitter that he will be joining Chelsea, it has been reported.

The 21-year-old Lille playmaker has ended speculation about his future by announcing he had decided to join the newly crowned European champions.

Hazard, who had long been linked with a move to the Premier League, wrote: "I'm signing for the champion's league winner."

The Belgian starlet had been pursued by several clubs and has previously revealed interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Hazard earlier continued to keep fans of several clubs in suspense by posting he had "made up his mind" who he was going to join but declined to name the team in question.

There was no official confirmation on Monday evening from either Chelsea or Lille that a deal had been reached over the signing of Hazard, who has been rated at £32 million.

But reports in France suggest the Belgium star has agreed a five-year contract worth as much as £100,000 a week after tax.

Hazard enjoyed a stellar season as Lille finished third in Ligue 1 and struck a hat-trick in what was almost certainly his final game for the French outfit.

He confirmed his preferred destination is England, recently telling Belgian news website HLN: "It will anyway be Manchester City, Manchester United or Chelsea.

"The decision will depend on the amount of play I would see and the position where I would play.

"Not everyone can say that he can make a choice between the three top clubs."

He wrote on Twitter on Monday: "good afternoon guys. i made up my mind. see you later. thanks"

When asked about a possible move to the Blues, he was quoted as saying by France Football: "Now, yes. They won the Champions League so they will be back in that competition next season.

"It's important for me to play in that competition. Chelsea are a great team with great players. Of course it's a possibility."

Hazard's agent John Bico claims an agreement on personal terms has been reached with all parties interested in the young Belgium international.

Lille, however, said at the start of last week that they had not received a firm bid for Hazard.