Owen Hargreaves believes Eden Hazard has earned the right to join either Real Madrid or Barcelona.
Hazard has been one of the shinning stars of the Premier League over the last couple of seasons, but his impressive performances haven't gone unnoticed, with the forward continually being linked with a move abroad.
Speculation has increased in recent weeks, with some reports suggesting Madrid are closing in on the Belgium star ahead of this summer's window.
Maurizio Sarri explains his Chelsea team selection for Europa League semi-final with Frankfurt
And Hargreaves, who was speaking during BT Sport's coverage of Chelsea's Europa League semi-final showdown with Frankfurt at Stamford Bridge, believes that if the 28-year-old does leave the Blues this summer, then he will go down as one of the club's greatest ever players.
"He has earned the opportunity to play for a Barcelona or a Real Madrid. It is like Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Manchester United, the only team he was really going to go to was a Real," the former England international said on BT Sport.
"I don't think people would begrudge him that opportunity, but obviously he would be a huge miss in the Premier League.
"I think he is the most gifted player, the most talented player in the Premier League, and we don't want to lose those players.
'Tears in my eyes' Chelsea fans have the same reaction to Eden Hazard team news
"He has done so much for this football club and he will go down as one of the best ever.
"He has been an unbelievable servant to this club. Normally when Real Madrid want someone, they get their man. He would be a big miss to the Premier League, but I think he has earned the right for that opportunity."
Meanwhile, Glenn Hoddle said that if this was to be his last game at Stamford Bridge, he would have wanted to go out on a high.
For all your latest Chelsea news, opinion, analysis and transfer gossip, click here
Keep up to date with the latest news, features and exclusives from football.london via the free football.london app for iPhone and Android .
Available to download from the App Store and Google Play .
