Eden Hazard: Chelsea must respect forward's decision on his future - Maurizio Sarri

Hazard was named Chelsea's Player of the Season for 2018-19

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri says the club must respect Eden Hazard's decision about his future but is hopeful the forward will choose to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Hazard has scored 16 goals for the Blues this season and has been strongly linked with a summer move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The 28-year-old says he has made a decision over his future and has informed the club.

"I hope he will stay," said Sarri.

"I think Eden has played here in Chelsea for seven seasons, trying in every match to do his best and now it's time to respect his decision."

Hazard has just a year left on his contract having joined from Lille for £32m in 2012.

Chelsea fans held up a banner before Sunday's Premier League finale against Leicester, pleading with the Belgian to stay.

Chelsea fans held up a banner for Eden Hazard prior to Sunday's goalless draw at Leicester. It read: "Eden Hazard bleeds blue. Chelsea is your home."

After a substitute appearance in Sunday's 0-0 draw at Leicester the Belgium international revealed he has made the club aware of his decision.

"Yes. A couple of weeks ago. Yes I have made my decision but it is not just about me," said Hazard. "I have made my decision, that's it."

When asked if his future will become clear after the Europa League final against Arsenal on 29 May he added: "I think so. We have a final to play and then I will see."

Hazard also admitted he wanted his future resolved earlier to avoid it being the season-long saga it has become.

"Yes, I wanted that but that's not happened. I'm still waiting like you are waiting and like the fans are waiting," he said.

"When you are on the pitch, you try to be focused on the pitch with the ball. That's it. When I am on the pitch I just try to do the best.

"I am not thinking about this and this, my situation or the club's situation. I just try to win games."

Sunday's point means the Blues finish the domestic campaign in third place after Tottenham drew 2-2 with Everton.

Next up is the Europa League final in Baku, Azerbaijan.

"The season is good," added Sarri.

"We were in trouble two or three months ago but third place is a very good result.

"Now we have to go to Baku for the Europa League final and we have the chance for our season to be wonderful."