Eden prefers Chelsea project

Hazard explains why he snubbed Manchester United interest

By Rob Parrish - Follow me on Twitter @skysportsrobp. Last Updated: June 4, 2012 6:36pm

Eden Hazard: Belgium international opted to join Chelsea despite interest from Manchester United

Eden Hazard has admitted he opted to join Chelsea over Manchester United as he feels there are greater opportunities for first-team football at Stamford Bridge.

The 21-year-old Belgium international will join the Blues for pre-season training in July having passed a medical and agreed personal terms.

Chelsea confirmed on Monday that they had reached an agreement with Lille, with the transfer fee reported to be in the region of £32million, with the player set to sign a five-year deal.

Hazard, who can play in a variety of attacking roles, admitted that the Blues' UEFA Champions League triumph played a key role in his decision to move to West London.

"There was a struggle between Chelsea and United but, for me, Chelsea has the best project. The team is young and I have a better chance to play there."
Eden HazardQuotes of the week

Manchester United and Manchester City were also understood to be in the running for his signature, with the player claiming that the lure of regular action with the Blues proved decisive.

Best project

"When they won the Champions League I told myself, 'Why not Chelsea?' Hazard told French radio station RMC.

"There was a struggle between Chelsea and United but, for me, Chelsea has the best project.

"The team is young and I have a better chance to play there."

Hazard, who openly flirted with several of Europe's top clubs - including Real Madrid and Barcelona - added: "At 21, Real or Barca would have been more difficult for me.

"If I play well enough at Chelsea, I could win my place in the starting team."