Eden
Hazard is poised to sign a lucrative contract extension with Chelsea, where
Jose Mourinho believes he can go on to be one of the club's all-time greats.
The 23-year-old has become an increasingly-influential force in the side
since joining from Lille in 2012 and has been in fine form of late, racking
up four goals in his last seven matches.
Despite long-standing interest from Chelsea’s upcoming Champions League
opponents Paris St Germain, the Belgian is close to signing a new deal
reported to be worth £200,000-a-week and Mourinho revealed a conversation
with Hazard’s father left him in no doubt about the extension.
"He will (sign)," he said. "I was never worried about it, since the moment I
met his father. Everything was very clear about their intentions and their
happiness to stay with Chelsea.
"After that, it becomes a numbers situation. When it becomes a number
situation, I'm more than happy to be out. But my club always told me that
the situation would finish with a new contract, so I was never worried about
that."
Hazard has justified the £32m Chelsea paid, with his fine performances last
term earning him the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
He was part of Chelsea's Europa League-winning side of 2013 and looks likely
to add to that medal this season with the club still challenging in four
competitions.
Legend
Mourinho believes Hazard can go on to become a legend at Stamford Bridge but
warned he will be judged by the titles he helps the club to win.
"I think so, I think so," Mourinho said when asked. "He needs to win titles
because titles make players' history.
"I don't know players who are considered legends in clubs without winning
titles, so he has to do that but the potential, I think, everybody knows."
Chelsea face Stoke City on Monday night and Mourinho confirmed Kurt Zouma
and Didier Drogba will be available after overcoming knocks sustained in the
Capital One Cup victory over Derby, while he is also optimistic Thibaut
Courtois.
The Belgian goalkeeper has missed the previous two matches with a muscular
injury, but looks set to come in for Petr Cech at the Britannia Stadium – a
decision Mourinho says was easy, despite the Chelsea stalwart's displays.
"No," he said when asked if it was tougher to bring Courtois back in.
"Petr's performances are the normal performances from one of the three best
goalkeepers in the world, so simple.
"I think Courtois will be back. I can't confirm 100 per cent, but I think
so."
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