Azpilicueta speaks on Real Madrid’s transfer deal for Eden Hazard

Cesar Azpilicueta has urged Chelsea players to respect Eden Hazard’s decision to join Real Madrid in the summer.

Madrid are said to have agreed a €100 million deal with the Blues for the Belgian playmaker and the signing could be made official after the Europa League final.

Hazard has been a long-time target for the La Liga giants, with the club set to undergo a major overhaul in the summer after enduring a difficult 2018/19 campaign that saw them go without a trophy.

Reports in the UK contend Hazard has already informed Chelsea about his decision to leave in the summer as he seeks to play under Zinedine Zidane.

His team-mates also seem to be fully alive to the fact that Hazard’s imminent departure to Santiago Bernabeu has drawn nigh, with Azpilicueta acknowledging he would love to see the 28-year-old remain at Stamford Bridge.

“Obviously Eden is a very important player for us,” the Chelsea vice-captain told Sky Sports.

“We arrived here at the same time and obviously we want him to stay with us – but we have to respect his decision,” he added.