Hazard believes De Bruyne should leave Chelsea

Kevin De Bruyne (L) with Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard has had a successful time of it on the pitch since joining Chelsea from Lille last year. However, things have not been so smooth for his country-mate Kevin De Bruyne who returned to the Blues after a loan spell with Wolfsburg last year.

And Hazard believes that De Bruyne would be best served by leaving the London club, in order to improve his chances of obtaining playing time and preparing well for the World Cup.

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has also publicly stated in recent times that a move away from Stamford Bridge could prove beneficial for De Bruyne who has found his chances at a minimum under Jose Mourinho.

Now Hazard is towing the same line.

“If he does not play, it is better for him to leave,” Hazard told Het Nieuwsblad. “Playing a World Cup after having not played for a year… is very difficult.”

“If we want to get the best from Kevin in the future it is better that he leaves. But he’s a big boy. He must make his own choices.”

On his country’s hopes at next year’s World Cup, especially with all the added attention that has come with the team boasting so many bright talents, Hazard said they are looking to take things one step at a time, while making it clear that they are in no way afraid of any team that comes before them in the finals.

“The first aim must be to survive the first round because we still do not know the draw but we should not be afraid of anyone because we have a very good team,” he continued.

“We have no one who has already played in a tournament. The people might expect too much from Belgium.”