Chelsea forward Eden Hazard has been named the PFA’s Player of the Year.
The Belgian, who has been ever-present in Chelsea’s title resurgence following four years without the trophy, has contributed with 13 goals and 8 assists in the Premier League this season.
Hazard faced tough competition from Tottenham’s Harry Kane, but it was the 24-year-old who came away with the award, which is voted for by the players themselves.
“I’m very happy”, Hazard was quoted as saying by the BBC.
One day I want to be the best and what I did this season is play very well, Chelsea played very well.
“I don’t know if I deserve to win but it is good for me. It is better to be voted by the players – they know everything about football.”
Speaking to Sky Sports after his award, Hazard also said he has been there in the big games and argues his goal-scoring form has made him a better player than last season.
“I continue like I did last season – I try to be the same. I try to score more goals than last season. Personally I have played a good season, I have been there in the big games and I scored a lot of important goals, this is why I’m better this season.
“We are almost champions, maybe this is the key. Last season we finished third and this season we have an opportunity to win the league. This has changed from last season.
I started the season not to be the PFA Player of the Year but it was in my head – I want to be the best and I hope one day I can win a lot of trophies.
“I just want to say thank you to the players who voted for me – it is always good to have an individual trophy but the most important thing is to win the league.
I hope I can win a lot of trophies again – the most important is to win the league, without my team-mates I would not be here.
“Jose (Mourinho) lets me play, we talk sometimes together and when I’m on the pitch I know what I have to do, this is most important.”
Hazard was congratulated across the board after claiming his award, with Chelsea players past and present taking to social media with words and images for their peer.
