Zidane is the best ever – Hazard

Chelsea star Eden Hazard has said that current Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane was his inspiration while growing up.

The Belgium attacker praised the grace of the former France, Juventus and Real Madrid star and hailed his contribution in big matches.

“He’s the best ever,” Hazard told Chelsea’s official Facebook page as the club’s new home kit was launched. “He was elegant when he played. He wasn’t quick but he could do everything with the ball.

“He scored a lot of important goals in finals, like in the World Cup and the Champions League.”

Meanwhile, he backed Willian as his club’s outstanding player this season.

“He scored some great goals and some great free kicks. He’s played every game at the same level, he’s not had up and downs, and he’s given everything for the team this season,” he said.

The 25-year-old has endured a difficult campaign after starring last season, during which he scored the decisive goal as Chelsea won the Premier League. He was on target on Monday, too, with his goal against Tottenham presenting the crown to Leicester.

Asked what it was like to be decisive in the title race once again, he said: “Last season was better! My job is to score goals, and when they’re important, it’s even better. I just want to score goals for Chelsea and win games for Chelsea.”

Hazard’s strike on Monday has gone down as one of his most memorable for the club.

“It’s one of my favourites,” he added. “When you play Spurs, it’s always good. You feel the pressure from the fans, so to score a goal against them was good.”