Chelsea winger Eden Hazard has moved to play down reports linking him with a move to French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The Belgium international, 23, has been on scintillating form for Jose Mourinho’s side this season, scoring 12 goals in 26 English Premier League appearances.
The 23-year-old ace, who joined Chelsea from Ligue 1 side Lille OSC for a reported fee of £32 million in the summer of 2012, has recently been linked with a move to the Parc des Princes.
Earlier this week, speculation increased following comments made by PSG captain Thiago Silva, who told L’Equipe: “I would welcome [Hazard] with open arms, like we did with all our recruits.
“We need players like him to achieve our project and win everything. He is so strong tactically and technically. All the great players are welcome in Paris.”
However, Hazard — despite being flattered by PSG’s interest — has insisted he is not looking to leave Stamford Bridge, and rightfully so.
“It has never been a question to leave Chelsea for me,” the Blues’ top scorer told L’Equipe. “I am very happy at the club, where I still have a lot to do.
“It is an honour to hear that PSG are interested in me, but it doesn’t disturb me. I know exactly what is in my mind. No one will make me change.
“The objective is to be good with Chelsea. A young player like me is learning a lot with experienced professionals like Frank Lampard, Petr Cech or Samuel Eto’o.
“I try to get inspired by their daily work. It makes me grow. That is why I believe my best years are yet to come.”
Hazard — priced at 6/1 to open the scoring when Chelsea travel to the Türk Telekom Arena to face Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on 26 February 2014 — has bagged 14 goals and six assists in 34 appearances for the Blues this term.
Taarabt targeting Milan stay
On-loan AC Milan winger Adel Taarabt is hoping to secure a permanent deal at the San Siro.
The Morocco international, 24, was enduring a nightmare season-long loan at Fulham until linking up with Milan in late January.
Taarabt, whose current contract at parent-club Queens Park Rangers expires in the summer of 2016, scored a spectacular goal on his Rossoneri debut in a 3-1 defeat to Napoli last weekend.
“It’s a dream to be at AC Milan and it was fantastic to score on my debut,” the 24-year-old told Milan Channel. “I hope it’s the beginning of a great adventure.
“I don’t know why I wasn’t playing at Fulham. I’m now at Milan where there are so many important players and I’m happy to be here.
“I still have four months to prove that I can play in this team because I want to stay at AC Milan.”
Taarabt has tallied three goals and one assist in 17 appearances in all competitions for AC Milan and Fulham this season.
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