Thorgan Hazard has revealed that he left Chelsea as a youngster because he knew that playing time would be hard to come by in the first team.

The Belgium international departed Stamford Bridge two years ago to join Borussia Monchengladbach, where his impressive displays have earned him many plaudits.

Hazard, the younger brother of Chelsea playmaker Eden, spent three seasons in West London upon joining from Lens, but took the decision to leave after failing to earn a single appearance in the senior ranks.

"I knew I would not stay at Chelsea when I signed for them," he told Het Nieuwsblad. "It was a great opportunity to join such a big club, but I knew I needed regular playing time to show what I could do. Chelsea like to buy young players and then slowly get them ready.

"All the young players like Kevin De Bruyne, Charly Musonda and Romelu Lukaku were shipped out on loan. You need regular playing time at that age. Maybe Chelsea now regret their decision not to give De Bruyne and Lukaku more chances, I don't know."

Hazard spent two seasons on loan at Zulte Waregem during his time with Chelsea, before joining Gladbach on a temporary deal in 2014 that was later made permanent.