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How Abramovich convinced star player to snub Man United for Chelsea

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Eden Hazard

According to reports from The Metro this afternoon, Chelsea star Eden Hazard had initially agreed to join Manchester United in summer 2012 before eventually signing for the west Londoners.

The Belgium international had just emerged as one of the brightest prospects in world football after bagging 20 goals and 16 assists during his final Ligue 1 campaign with Lille, leaving Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG – amongst others – to scrap it out for his signature.

The 24 year-old eventually moved to west London for a £32million fee and has since emerged as one of the Premier League’s flagship entities, last term picking up the PFA and FWA Player of the Year awards for his intrinsic role in Chelsea’s successful title bid.

But according to former team-mate Tulio de Melo, who now plies his trade with Chapecoense in Brazil, Hazard had initially agreed to join the Red Devils before Roman Abramovich convinced the winger otherwise during a meeting on his infamously luxurious yacht.

As quoted by The Metro, the 6 foot 4 striker told ESPN Brazil; “It was pretty much agreed that he would go to Manchester United, but there were other clubs wanting him.

“But the owner of Chelsea was there with his yacht in the city. One day, we [the Lille squad] were getting ready to watch a film at the festival when Hazard appeared and said: “I won’t be able to go with you, I have to go to a meeting with my agent and Abramovich.”

“Then when he came back we were all having dinner at a restaurant. Hazard arrived with a smile from ear to ear and said: “Yeah… I think I am going there [Chelsea], I think he [Abramovich] convinced me.” Soon after, the deal was done quickly and he was playing at Chelsea”

Reports this week have linked Hazard with a shock move to Real Madrid after being benched for Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

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  • George says:

    Abramovich did not convince him to go to Chelsea. His agent did.

    United simply refused to pay his agent £6m agent fee, while Abramovich duly replied!

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