PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard has revealed that African legend Didier Drogba convinced him to snub Manchester United and join Chelsea instead.
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The 24-year-old, who has won three major trophies (Premier League, League Cup and Europa League) since joining the London side, admitted that Stamford Bridge wasn't his first choice.
The Belgian's former coach, Rudi Garcia, previously claimed that it was Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich who persuaded Hazard to join them, but the player himself has rubbished that.
"I didn't want to go to Chelsea because I wanted to play the Champions League and they were sixth in the league," he told the Daily Mirror.
"I was convinced when they won the Champions League in 2012.
"At the time, Roberto di Matteo really wanted me, they had Juan Mata, and Oscar had been bought. I was told: 'You'll see, Chelsea will play football'.
"Gervinho called me and said: "Someone's on the phone". I didn't know who it was but it was Drogba, he wanted me to sign.
"I was flattered, he was maybe the best striker in the world. In my head, I wasn't going to sign, but in the end I was very pleased with my choice. I didn't speak to Abramovich. I don't know why coach Garcia wrote that in his book."
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Hazard has been in terrific form for Chelsea this season, making 50 appearances in all competitions and scoring 19 goals along the way.
Do you believe Hazard made the right choice by snubbing Manchester United for Chelsea? Have your say in the comments section below.
