Hazard Desperate To Prove His Worth In Final Year Of Real Madrid Contract
Eden Hazard plans to see out the remainder of his contract at Real Madrid next season despite his lack of playing time at the club.
Hazard was again an unused substitute as Real Madrid claimed their first Copa del Rey trophy since 2014 with a 2-1 victory over Osasuna on Saturday.
Hazard has only appeared nine times across all competitions for Real Madrid this season.
The 31-year-old's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires in the summer of 2024 but his lack of game time would have suggested that the former Belgium captain would seek for a new challenge next season.
But Hazard is keen to stay for another season and fight for his place in Carlo Ancelotti's side.
"I'm planning to stay. Of course, I think I can play more minutes. I want to enjoy the year left of my contract," Hazard told reporters when questioned on his future after Saturday's Copa del Rey final.
"I want to play but I know it is very difficult. I have to work and I hope to play more."
Hazard has endured a difficult time with injuries since signing for Real Madrid from Chelsea and has not often been called upon when fit to feature.
One of the most gifted playmakers of his generation, the 32-year-old scored 110 goals in 352 matches for Chelsea in a seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
