Chelsea boss insists Blues’ most creative player will stay

Jose Mourinho insists that Eden Hazard will stay

Jose Mourinho has refuted speculation that Chelsea could sell Eden Hazard, claiming that he wouldn’t be sold for less than £100 million, according to the Independent.

Paris St Germain had been linked with a move for the talented Belgian, with a £60 million bid reportedly being lined up in the summer.

But Mourinho has played down such talk, denying Chelsea would be tempted to sell and praising the improvements in his playmaker’s game.

The Blues coach said, “He was not voted, but he was known as one of the worst trainers. He has become, I don’t say one of the best, but a good professional in training.

“He was known by lots of quality – which he keeps – but not being very effective in terms of real production and at the same time without that culture of knowing how to defend as a team. He has improved in every aspect.

“Now he works very hard for the team, he wants the initiative of the game. He does not disappear after doing something, to reappear 30 minutes later and show that fantastic ability – he wants to be influential all game. He now has the idea that ‘I am a top player and have to be there every match’.

“He is very strong physically. He does not look it, but he is. It’s more from a mental point of view, but he is doing that. He knows where he has to cover, close down areas. We are very happy with him.

“It is never a problem to be more complete than before. Because you work with a computer, your handwriting doesn’t have to be terrible.”

Hazard has been the star player for Chelsea throughout the season and underlined his importance to the Blues once again on Saturday, as he scored the opener in the 2-0 victory over Hull.

Eden Hazard has completed 76 take-ons this season, beating his man more than any other player in the Premier League.