Eden Hazard turned down moves to Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Inter, Real Madrid and Barcelona, a source within the player’s entourage has told Belgian Sport Magazine Knack.

 

Hazard eventually opted to sign for Chelsea, with a €40M fee paid by the Blues to buy the exciting forward from Lille.

 

For the 21-year-old, there was no question of heading anywhere else but to England’s Premier League, as the atmosphere and game in the country enchant him.

 

"It was a conscious decision", a source close to the player said.

 

"Eden loves the rhythm of the game, the atmosphere at the grounds and he thinks English football is the best."

 

The source also indicated that Hazard is under the impression that Chelsea will change their style of play next season, with the Belgian believing that "the boring football is over."

 

It was also revealed how Hazard whittled down the choices he had in England.

 

Firstly, Arsenal were ruled out as a side with a lack of maturity and a question mark over the future of Robin van Persie. Next to be knocked off were Spurs as they slumped in the second half of the Premier League season.

 

Eventually, the choice came down to Manchester United or Chelsea. The Red Devils offered Hazard the superior salary, but Chelsea’s future plans sold a switch to Stamford Bridge.

 

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