Hazard: Don’t worry, I’ll use my Ed and stick to football

HOOP DREAMS ... Eden Hazard's passion for basketball will not distract him from the beautiful game

EDEN HAZARD has spoken of his love for basketball — but Jose Mourinho need not worry about the Chelsea star attempting a slam dunk any time soon.

After shining in his first season with the Blues, Hazard is likely to be one of the first names on the Special One’s team sheet next term.

And Mourinho will be relieved to know the Belgian’s passion for the NBA will not lead to him exerting himself on the court.

Hazard, 22, said: “Basketball is my other favourite sport. I don’t play, I watch the NBA on TV and I love it.

“It is a very good sport to watch and the NBA is the best I know.”

A host of Premier League stars can be seen courtside whenever the NBA juggernaut rolls into London.

And Hazard would jump at the chance to watch Carmelo Anthony strutting his stuff for the New York Knicks.

He added: “The Knicks, with Anthony, are the best!

“I have watched the NBA live as well, last season at The O2 Arena.

"It was perfect and I loved it, but I have never seen it in America. I hope one time I will.

“I tried to play myself but I am no good, definitely no good. I play football!”