Sergio Ramos has backed Real Madrid’s pursuit of Eden Hazard and believes the Spanish giants are on the verge of signing a ‘top player’.
Hazard effectively confirmed his departure from Stamford Bridge following his virtuoso display in Wednesday’s 4-1 Europa League final win against Arsenal.
The 28-year-old came close to joining the Spanish giants last summer after his exploits at the World Cup with Belgium but is close to realising his dream of playing for Real Madrid with the two clubs on the cusp of agreeing a £115million fee.
Real chiefs have already planned to hand Hazard Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic No.7 shirt and Ramos is eagerly anticipating the winger’s arrival.
‘I consider Eden Hazard to be a really, really top player,’ he said.
‘I do not give any advice to anyone, nor does it depend on me whether or not Hazard is signed, for example.
‘This is an area outside of my domain. I’m the captain, and there are other departments to oversee the likes of of recruitment at the club.’
Ramos, meanwhile, confirmed at a press conference earlier this week that he was committed to the club amid reports he was ready to quit following a series of bust-ups with club president Florentino Perez.
He said: ‘My dream is to retire here. At no moment did I consider going to China.
‘Yesterday I went to see the president to make everything clear. I told the president that I would never go to a team that could compete with Real Madrid.
‘If one day I go then it is because I think my body does not allow me to give a high level. I am the captain of Real Madrid and I feel very loved and supported by my team-mates.
‘I’m not looking to renew [my contract]. I am happy with what I have. People always think it’s a strategy to earn more, but it’s the opposite.’
