'He is a player I have always liked'- Real Madrid boss heaps praise on Premier League star amid transfer rumors

What's the story?

Real Madrid boss, Zinedine Zidane, heaped praise on Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard amid reports linking the Belgian forward with a move to Real Madrid in the upcoming transfer window.

In case you didn't know...

With 14 goals and 12 assists, Eden Hazard has been the one propelling Chelsea towards the top four spots in the Premier League. The Belgian attacker showed that he is at the peak of his career in the World Cup in 2018 and proved himself to be one of the best players in the Premier League this campaign.

Chelsea are currently occupying the fifth position on the Premier League table and have been moving smoothly in the Europa League to make up for their rather unimpressive outing under Maurizio Sarri this term.

Hazard is yet to renew his contract with the club, with his current contract set to expire next year. The 28-year-old openly flaunted his desire to play for Real Madrid last year but recently claimed that he is focused on his responsibilities at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea will be hoping they can keep their star man after they were recently hit by a transfer ban. With their appeal still under review, The Blues wouldn't like to lose the attacker.

On the other hand, Zinedine Zidane returned as the manager of Real Madrid after his departure nine months ago. Los Blancos have endured an abysmal season and the club hierarchy are reportedly desperate to bring some much-needed reinforcements in the coming transfer window.

The heart of the matter

Amid reports linking Hazard to Real Madrid, Zidane has praised the Belgian forward, claiming that he always liked the Premier League superstar.

"He [Hazard] is a player I have always liked," Zidane said. "Everyone knows that. He played in France, so I've seen him a lot and I know him personally."