Chelsea striker Gonzalo Higuain has told ESPN FC it will be hard to change Eden Hazard’s mind if he wants to leave the club.
Hazard scored twice during a scintillating performance as Chelsea defeated West Ham 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, prompting manager Maurizio Sarri to argue he was worth more than £100 million amid interest from Real Madrid.
After Hazard’s brilliance lifted Sarri’s side up to third in the Premier League with five matches left to play, teammate Higuain was asked about the possibility of him leaving for La Liga.
“What can I tell you? Those are things that involve the club executives and the desire of the player,” the ex-Real Madrid forward said. “When a player has a desire, it is difficult to change his mind.”
Chelsea fear there is little they can do to avoid Hazard leaving to join Zinedine Zidane at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer.
Talks over a contract extension which would make him Chelsea’s highest-paid player ever have stalled, and, with just a year left on his deal, Chelsea could be forced into selling but Higuain hopes Hazard will remain at the club.
“He is one of the best [in the world],” Higuain said. “It is obvious that, when he is at this level, he gives you points, he gives you goals and the truth is that it is a great asset to have him with us.”
“Here what matters is Eden’s decision and the decision of the board. I cannot do anything. He has not asked me [about life in Madrid] but if it’s what makes him happy, I wish him the best. I hope he can stay.”