SM
Sports Mole words bigger AMP 2
Portsmouth vs. Millwall: 22 hrs 9 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

On this day: Eden Hazard snubs Manchester United to join Chelsea

:Headline: On this day: Eden Hazard snubs Manchester United to join Chelsea: ID:158268: from db_amp
Back on this day in 2012, Chelsea secured the services of Belgium international Eden Hazard for a fee of £32m.

Over recent years, Chelsea and Manchester United have battled it out for major honours, both domestically and in Europe.

While the Red Devils got the better of their West London counterparts in the 2008 Champions League final and have won their fair share of Premier League titles, off the pitch during the summer of 2012, they were defeated in their pursuit of one of Europe's hottest talents.

Towards the end of the campaign 2011-12, there were strong rumours that United were on the verge of securing the services of Lille playmaker Eden Hazard, which were fuelled by Sir Alex Ferguson's reported presence at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on at least one occasion.

However, having been pipped to the title on the final day in dramatic fashion by neighbours Manchester City, United then had to watch on as domestic rivals Chelsea lifted the Champions League trophy for the first time in their history. It was a triumph that would also ultimately end the race for Hazard, who was confirmed as a Chelsea player two years ago today.

Upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge, the Belgian international said: "I've always wanted to play in England, there was a struggle between Chelsea and United, but to me Chelsea have the best project.

"I was in advanced contact with both clubs and I spoke to both coaches. I want to be playing in the Champions League every year. Initially, Chelsea were sixth and not qualified for the Champions League. But when they won the Champions League I said to myself, 'Why not Chelsea?'.

"At 21, Real Madrid or Barcelona would have been more difficult for me. If I play well enough at Chelsea I could win my place in the starting team and my priority is to play."

The £32m signing has gone on to become a key part of the Chelsea side, having been named in the PFA Team of the Year during his two seasons in England.

What's more, his performances last term, in which he scored 17 goals in all competitions, earned the 23-year-old the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Such form has resulted in speculation that Paris Saint-Germain would make a move for his signature this summer, but having been given the number 10 shirt by Chelsea, Hazard recently hinted that he would remain in the English capital.

amp_article__158268 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2014-06-04 18:11:46:
html db last update - 2014-06-04 18:11:46 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool22165154213353
2Arsenal23138244212347
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2313553327644
4Manchester CityMan City23125647301741
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle23125641271441
6Chelsea23117545301540
7Bournemouth23117541261540
8Aston Villa2310763435-137
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2381053531434
10Fulham238963431333
11Brentford2394104240231
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd2385102832-429
13Crystal Palace236982630-427
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham2376102844-1627
15Tottenham HotspurSpurs2373134637924
16Everton225891928-923
17Leicester CityLeicester2345142549-2417
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2344153252-2016
19Ipswich TownIpswich2337132147-2616
20Southampton2313191653-376
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .