Hazard deserves farewell ―Azpilicueta

Cesar Azpicueta and Eden Hazard

Chelsea captain, Cesar Azpilicueta wants to bid farewell to Eden Hazard with Europa League success.

And he says the club must ‘respect’ the brilliant Belgian’s decision to quit Stamford Bridge as they prepare to face Arsenal in the final in Baku on May 29.

Hazard, 28, has made his desire to leave Chelsea for Real Madrid clear having refused a new contract offer.

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A deal between the two clubs is yet to be finalised for the forward to leave London, with Azpilicueta holding no ill will over his team-mate’s readiness to move on.

“He is a very important player for us,” he told Sky Sports. “We arrived [at Chelsea] at the same time and, obviously, we want him to stay with us but we have to respect his decision.

“His mind is only on doing well with Chelsea and lifting the trophy in Baku. Then we will see.”

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Chelsea have travelled to Boston for a charity friendly with New England Revolution ahead of the final.

But Azpilicueta says the trip will not adversely affect preparations for meeting the Gunners in Azerbaijan.

“We have to do anything – train hard, to rest – we have nearly two weeks until the final so it’s very important to arrive in the best condition for the final,” he added.

“Hopefully we can get in a good shape and lift the trophy.”

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Hazard scored 16 goals and made 15 assists in the Premier League in 2018-19.