Chelsea star Eden Hazard has sent a message to Chelsea fans as the squad make the journey to Azerbaijan in preparation for the Europa League final against Arsenal on Wednesday.
The Blues beat German side Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties in the semi-final of the competition after a 2-2 aggregate scoreline over two legs. Hazard stepped up to confidently score the winning penalty that ensured the Blues' passage into the final.
Chelsea come up against London rivals Arsenal, who will not only be fighting for European honours, but also a place in the Champions League, after they failed to secure a top four Premier League finish at the end of the season.
Via the official Chelsea Instagram account Hazard has sent a video message to the club's fans as the squad boarded the plane destined for Baku.
"Hi Chelsea fans, it's final time," he says. "We are going to Baku. See you there, bye bye."
There has been much speculation that the final may well be Hazard's final game for the club, with a summer move to Spanish giants Real Madrid looking likely. The Belgian has just one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and is reported to have his heart set on a move to Zinedine Zidane's side.
The attacker has been instrumental for the Blues this season, scoring 16 goals and assisting another 15. He has the highest goal contribution than anyone else in the Premier League. With a transfer ban hovering over them, Chelsea will feel the effects should he depart this summer.
Hazard has not been a regular starter in the Europa League under manager Maurizio Sarri, but it is likely that Chelsea will stat their most influential player against Arsenal. If it is to be the 28-year-old's final game for the club, both him and fans will be hoping he can sign off with some European silverware.
Keep up to date with the latest Chelsea news, features and exclusives from football.london via our free WhatsApp service .
Click here to enroll or text NEWS to 07557204594 and then add the number to your phone contacts book as chelsea dot london (case sensitive, with spaces) to receive daily updates and breaking news from Oliver Harbord and the team on Chelsea.
Your phone number won't be shared with any other members of the group. Click here for more information on the service.
