Eden Hazard relishing Lionel Messi comparisons before Barcelona meeting but stays coy on Chelsea future

Eden Hazard has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge

Eden Hazard batted away questions about his future (Getty Images)

Eden Hazard says he relishes being compared to players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and wants to “shine” against them in the Champions League, as he again evaded questions on his future.

Although there is an expectation the Belgian will eventually sign a new contract at Chelsea and stay, his form has led to interest from Real Madrid, and comparisons to the world’s two biggest stars. That has also come alongside mild criticism that Hazard has to be more ruthless at the top level against such players to really reach that level, and he has the chance to do so on Tuesday, as Chelsea face Barcelona in the Champions League last-16 first leg.

“It's good to be compared with the greatest ever, Messi or Ronaldo,” Hazard said. “But I'm completely different. We play in a different league. I try to do my job and try to reach their level, because they are the best in the world. Every season I try and do my best. When we play this kind of games, we need to perform. If you want to be one of the best, you have to play well in the big games. This is a big game. Let's go for it and try and give everything.

“Every game I try and play my best football. Every week in the Premier League. Last year we didn't play Champions League, but this year we are back and I played a few good games: Atletico Madrid away, Roma, here against Madrid. You want to shine when you play the best in the world. If I want to reach that level, I need to do a great game tomorrow.”

Asked about his long-term future, Hazard batted away such questions.

“First, I see the game tomorrow. We are going to face Barca. I play for Chelsea for now six years. I'm just happy here. Like you say, I have two years left on my contract. I'm happy here, my family is happy here. Now I'm just focused on the game tomorrow to the end of the season. I don't think much about the future because you never know what happens in the future, but I'm just happy here. I'm thinking about tomorrow, that's it.”

Hazard did strike a more assertive note when talking about Chelsea’s chances. Barca are commonly perceived as favourites, but the Belgian stressed they are champions and have proved so difficult for Barca in the past.

“For sure, we have two weeks and we know the games we play. We play football for these games. We are Chelsea. We are the champions of England. We are ready. We can face them, we can beat them as well. Let's go for it.”

Hazard did admit that Barca’s quality may mean defence is Chelsea’s first priority.

“First of all we need to defend as a team. If we don't defend against Barca, we are in trouble. So we need to defend together and play our football. We like the ball. We have players in our team, and we need to play with the ball and try and score goals. The first game is at home in Stamford Bridge in front of the Chelsea team.”