Premier League: Jose Mourinho insists Eden Hazard does not want to leave Chelsea

PHOTO CREDIT: SKYSPORTS

Jose Mourinho insists Eden Hazard loves playing for Chelsea and dismissed speculation the physical nature of the Premier League could prompt the midfielder to seek a move abroad.

The 23-year-old, who is in his third season at Chelsea after joining from Lille in June 2012, is in advanced discussions over a contract extension which Mourinho expects to be a formality.

And the Blues boss does not expect Hazard to leave despite warning after the loss at Tottenham that the physical nature of English football means "maybe one day we won't have Eden Hazard".

"I think he loves it here. I think so," Mourinho said. "I think, I hope (he will stay)."

Mourinho last season often bemoaned the frequency of fouls on Hazard and has again repeated his complaint, calling on officials to protect his prized asset by punishing persistent offenders.

"The first free-kick of every game is somebody kicking him," Mourinho said. "He has fouls and fouls and fouls. I don't see many yellow cards.

"Sometimes a yellow card is a consequence of violent conduct, but I also think that accumulation of small fouls is also violent conduct.

"The kid is suffering the consequences of that, but playing amazingly well. ...SkySports