Eden Hazard has reiterated that he was not to blame for Jose Mourinho's demise at Chelsea, and insists he is determined to remind everyone of his true ability by lighting up Euro 2016 with Belgium.
Mourinho left Stamford Bridge for the second time in December, having presided over a disastrous Premier League title defence and what technical director Michael Emenalo described as "palpable discord" between the players and management.
He was confirmed as Manchester United's new manager on a three-year contract last month.
Hazard was heavily criticised by Chelsea supporters in the wake of Mourinho's sacking for being a shadow of the player who inspired the Blues to the Premier League title in 2014-15, as well as appearing to substitute himself with a hip injury in the Portuguese's final game in charge, a 2-1 defeat to Leicester City in December.
But the 25-year-old -- who will captain Belgium at Euro 2016 in the absence of the injured Vincent Kompany -- is adamant that he did not deliberately undermine Mourinho in his final weeks at Stamford Bridge, and says he wants to build on a promising end to the season with Chelsea in France.
"People say what they want," Hazard told L'Equipe when asked about claims he contributed to Mourinho's departure.
"It was a period where I wasn't playing well. But deep down I never wanted Mourinho to be fired. I was behind him.
"We experienced some great things. This year I wasn't as good. But I picked myself up. I took it upon myself. I was criticised a lot. I made do with it. It doesn't affect me. I've come back well, quite simply.
"I haven't had a good year. You have to be clear -- I've had a rubbish year apart from the final month [for Chelsea]. I had little problems, injuries and a loss of form.
"When I got back to 100 percent at the end of the season, I showed everything that I could do. I hope to continue that way."
Earlier this month Hazard revealed that he has no desire to leave Chelsea this summer after the most disappointing season of his career, and he insists that he is fully focused on leading Belgium's challenge at Euro 2016.
"My goal is always to leave Chelsea as a boss," he added. "I feel good in London. I have a few years left on my contract. And I'm concentrating on the Euros in order to go as far as possible. Afterwards we will discuss it."