Football
Liam Twomey, Chelsea correspondent 6y

Eden Hazard says he will 'never' leave Chelsea; plans to sign new deal

Eden Hazard claimed that he will "never" leave Chelsea and indicated that both he and Thibaut Courtois will sign new contracts with the Premier League champions during an appearance at the NBA London Game on Thursday.

The 27-year-old was one of a host of Premier League footballers in attendance as the Boston Celtics overcame a 22-point deficit to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 114-103 at the O2 Arena in London.

While mingling with the crowd, Hazard posed for a picture with one fan who said to him "don't leave Chelsea, yeah?" to which the Belgium international replied as he walked away: "Never."

Chelsea are keen to get Hazard to commit to a bumper extension to his current contract, which expires in 2020, but last month the player's father Thierry claimed that his son is keeping his options open in the hope of encouraging an offer from long-term admirers Real Madrid.

Thibaut Courtois is the other Chelsea star who interests the reigning European champions, with his current contract at Stamford Bridge set to expire in June 2019.

Earlier this month the goalkeeper said that he and Hazard are encouraging each other to sign new deals, revealing that he is "close" to an agreement. 

Asked by the Mirror if he will sign a new contract at Chelsea, Hazard said: "Yes. "I think Thibaut first. Then I will sign." 

Hazard has made 18 Premier League appearances for Chelsea this season since returning to action in September from a broken ankle sustained on Belgium duty in June, registering six goals and two assists.

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