Hazard rules out Chelsea exit this month

The Belgian was consistently linked with a move to Real Madrid throughout the close season but, following Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Arsenal on Sunday, the 27-year-old said he would be staying in London.

(Reuters)

"I'm fine here. We'll see what happens in a year or two," Hazard told French news outlet RMC Sport.

"Leave this year? I will not leave. Everybody knows what I said after the World Cup - but I'm happy here."

With the English transfer window already closed Chelsea would be unable to bring in someone to replace Hazard if he left.

"It would be a little odd if they sell me now while they can't recruit a replacement," Hazard added.

Chelsea travel to Newcastle United in the Premier League next weekend.

(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)