Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard has revealed he decided to leave Stamford Bridge after the World Cup in 2018, although he had to wait another year before moving to Real Madrid.
The Belgium international starred in the Europa League final against Arsenal, helping the Blues to secure Champions League qualification, before sealing a £130m move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
He revealed a transfer was likely to occur after the final in Baku, speaking immediately after the final whistle, but has now explained that a move to join Los Blancos was premeditated.
“I'd already made my mind up after the World Cup and I said to myself: ‘I have to join Real Madrid now," Hazard told Real Madrid TV.
“That wasn't possible and I spent another year at Chelsea and that made my departure easier. The club understood it and allowed me to leave.
“My dream was always to play for Real Madrid, the greatest team in the world, and so far I'm happy. Courtois always told me that this was the best club.
“I also spoke to [Luka] Modric and got the impression that they all wanted to see me at Real Madrid and it finally happened.”
Since arriving in LaLiga, Hazard has struggled to get the ball rolling in what has been a difficult start to the season for Zinedine Zidane's side and admitted he has found it difficult inheriting the legendary number seven shirt previously worn by Cristiano Ronaldo.
"Taking this shirt after Cristiano isn't easy, he's historic. We're going to give our all to win everything, we have to lift a trophy,” he added.
“I know the Champions League is important. I'm here to win it, it's important for everyone and myself included. I'm at the best club in the world and I hope to give my best.”
