<
>

Eden Hazard: Premier League and Chelsea made me star player

Chelsea forward Eden Hazard believes playing in the Premier League has made him a better footballer.

Hazard, 24, joined Chelsea from Ligue 1 side Lille in the summer of 2012 for a fee in the region of £32 million.

After winning the Europa League in 2013, he picked up his first domestic medal in Chelsea colours earlier this month when they beat Tottenham in the Capital One Cup final.

The reigning PFA Young Player of the Year is tipped to win the senior award this year after a fine season that has helped the Blues close in on the Premier League title.

Hazard, on Belgium duty for Saturday's Euro 2016 game against Cyprus, said: "I have become stronger in England because I play with and against greater players.

"I have to raise my level. I am gaining experience. It's a big match every weekend, and each season I find new qualities.

"This season I score headers. Who would have thought it? I am progressing. I'm happy with my season, like I was with last season. I am continuing my apprenticeship.

"People expect Eden to score 30 to 40 goals a season. I don't think about doing it. I'm not like that. If there is a point in my game where I still need to work, it is of course, to be more efficient -- to play even more for myself, to score goals.

"But I am having a great season. Maybe I will have two trophies, and that will be great."