Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has hailed the contribution of Eden Hazard towards the Blues’ success over the past seven years and he is hopeful that the Belgian will stay put with the club. The 28-year-old has enjoyed a standout season with 19 goals and 15 assists in all competitions and he stands to end the campaign with European glory through the Europa League.

Speaking to CNN Sport, Loftus-Cheek said that Hazard has left a legacy during his seven seasons with the west London giants and he will be remembered as one of the best players to have plyed their trade for the side, he said: “We all want him to stay. I think he will be remembered as one of the best players to have played for Chelsea, but also one of the best players to have played in England. I think what he has done for Chelsea over the past seven years is remarkable and he’s helped Chelsea win Premier League titles, Europa League titles.”

Hazard currently has just over one year remaining on his present deal with the club and so far, he has shown no indication of penning an extension. As such, the Blues have the option of sanctioning his sale during the summer but they could as well risk him for the final year of his contract, given they are presently under a two-window transfer ban.

Meanwhile, Loftus-Cheek has experienced plenty of ups and downs through the current campaign but he has become a regular midfield choice during the last two months. Despite this, he remains reluctant to extend his contract for the moment and reports indicate that he wants assurances of a regular starting role next term before penning an extension. The England international is currently contracted to the Blues until the summer of 2021.