Chelsea's Eden Hazard believes he is working with a manager who can help him to achieve his full potential, as he poured praise on Jose Mourinho after signing a lucrative new contract with the club.
Mourinho has been stating for the past two months that he was certain his Belgian playmaker would commit his future to Chelsea by signing a new deal, with confirmation of that agreement coming on Thursday.
Now Hazard has set his sights on winning trophies under Mourinho's guidance, as he suggested in an interview with the Chelsea website that he has a close relationship with his boss.
"Even in the bad moments he has been with me, we can speak honestly with each other," stated Hazard. "If I have played well he tells me, but if I haven't played so well he also lets me know. I like the kind of relationship we have. He gives me the freedom to play and I just try to do my best."
Hazard went on to suggest he was delighted to confirm his commitment to Chelsea, as he signed a deal that should end speculation linking the 24-year-old with a move away from Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable future.
"I've signed a new contract and I'm very happy because I'm playing for one of the best clubs in the world," he continued. "I just want to help the team win trophies. Last season was good but we didn't win anything, so hopefully we can change that.
"When I came here I was very happy and I've been here for two-and-a-half years now. I only have good memories, even in the difficult moments, when we've lost certain matches.
"I've made a lot of new friends, London is a very good city and the supporters are brilliant. It's been a great opportunity for me to play here."
Hazard went on to express his excitement at the prospect of a Capital One Cup final against Tottenham at Wembley next month, as he suggested the squad Mourinho has assembled at Chelsea is strong enough to cope in three different competitions ahead of next Tuesday's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
With a seven-point lead in the Premier League title race and cup competitions offering additional hopes for silverware, Hazard is talking up Chelsea's chances of glory in the final weeks of the season.
"Our squad has the perfect mix, we have experience and fresh legs," he added. "We need both if we want to be champions, and the players who are not involved give everything when they get their opportunity. That's the mentality we need.
"A seven-point lead is good but we all know how difficult the Premier League is. If we lose one game it could be down to four points, and things can change very quickly. We know Manchester City will keep giving everything, so if we want to stay top of the table we have to keep winning."