Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard admits strained relationship with coach Carlo Ancelotti

The former Chelsea winger has struggled with injuries and inconsistency since his €100million transfer to Real Madrid in 2019.

Hazard, who has not played a single minute of La Liga or Champions League action since his return from the World Cup, admitted that not playing for Madrid had heavily impacted his decision to retire from international duty with Belgium.

"I would like to stay. I've always said that. I hope to play and to show that I can still do it," Hazard said in an interview with Diario AS. "People have doubts, that's normal, I understand. But for me, I'm still here next year. You never know, but a transfer is not in my plan."

Despite his frustrations, Hazard said there was still "respect" between him and Ancelotti. "I have to have respect for a guy like Ancelotti," he said. "For what he represents for football, and for what he's done in his career."

Real Madrid are open to selling Hazard this summer, with the potential for another costly free transfer exit next summer a concerning scenario. However, Hazard has made it clear that he wants to stay and prove his worth to the team.

"I'm not going to say we talk to each other, because we don't," Hazard said of his relationship with Ancelotti. "But there will always be respect."