Hazard definitively rules out PSG switch, compares himself to Messi, Ibra, Ronaldo, and others

Eden Hazard did an interview this week during the international break, and had some comments touching on a variety of subjects. The entire thing is certainly worth a read, but the most headline-worthy stuff he touched on was the constant links to PSG. Spoiler...it's not happening:

"I’ve always been clear - I feel good at Chelsea. Every week I repeat the same on PSG. It's a big team, but an inferior league. I don't want to return to France, because I've won everything over there - the league title, cup, best player, best young player."

"I don't want to say PSG is a step backwards, but It would be returning to something I already know. I'm always in for new challenges. When I will leave Chelsea one day, it would be to discover something new."

Hazard also spoke about his standing in world football, and seemed to have a fairly reasonable assessment of where he stands among his peers at the moment:

"I'm not a top-five player yet. Maybe I'm close to it, but I still have to work on some aspects. You can only be part of that group if you are decisive in the top games. I start doing that, like I did against Manchester City and Arsenal."

"Who are better than me? The two extra-terrestrials, Ronaldo and Messi. Ibrahimovic, Ribéry and Robben. They make the difference almost every game."

All that is interesting, but I actually enjoyed his insight on the start to the 2014/15 season thus far more than the headline grabbing comments:

"Maybe this has been the best start in my career so far, although it isn't reflected in the stats. I have played only one bad game - against Aston Villa. I've taken a good rest during my holiday, I had a short, but good pre-season and I feel really well."

All in all, I've got to agree with Hazard's assessment of his season to date. He's been mostly excellent this year, even if opposing defenses are working harder to mark him out of the game and leaving openings for his teammates to exploit as a result. Hazard really seems to understand that he's still helping the team by simply being a threat, and his work off the ball has been outstanding.

Hopefully Hazard will remain in London for a very long time, and his 'new challenge' will be in the twilight of his career. If he keeps playing the way he has been this season, it's hard to picture Chelsea willingly allowing him to leave anyway. Hooray!