Hazard counting down the days until he can wear the Real Madrid shirt

Posted Wednesday, May 15, 2019 by Marca.com

Eden Hazard's move to Real Madrid is this summer's worst-kept secret.

Despite Chelsea's transfer ban being upheld by FIFA, the Belgian is into the last year of his contract and the Blues could be forced to sell.

"I've made my decision," Hazard said about his future on Sunday. He added that he's told the club his wishes "a couple of weeks ago.

"L'Equipe are reporting that he could be officially announced as a Real Madrid player on 30 May - the day after he plays his final game for Chelsea in the Europa League final.

"Eden has been here for seven seasons and we have to respect his decision," said a fairly resigned Maurizio Sarri after Chelsea's 0-0 draw to Leicester at the weekend.

Hazard will be the superstar signing that Florentino Perez needs, and he is cheaper than any move for Neymar would be.

The idea is to confirm the transfer and present him to the fans before he goes away with the Belgium national team for the Euro 2022 qualifiers.

Then, Hazard is able to prepare for his move to Los Blancos, where he has already signed a five-year deal, and go house hunting in Madrid.

In fact, he's already asked the former Madrid-based players in the Chelsea squad about where to live.

It's no secret either that Hazard would be playing under his idol in Zinedine Zidane.

Hazard has been spotted wearing Zidane's No.10 France shirt from the 1998 World Cup and has previously said that he would love to work under the coach.