Tuesday 21 June 2016 09:29, UK
Eden Hazard refused to be drawn on speculation linking Romelu Lukaku with a return to Chelsea, but says he is keen to link up with the world's best players at Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku admitted in May that he wanted to leave current club Everton this summer in order to further his career and has since been linked in the national press with a host of European clubs, including Chelsea.
The 23-year-old, who is currently away on international duty with Belgium at Euro 2016, joined Chelsea in August 2011, but was subsequently sent out on loan to West Bromwich Albion and then Everton.
He made his move to Goodison Park permanent in July 2014, after making just 15 appearances for Chelsea, and has scored 61 goals in 127 matches for the Toffees.
When asked whether he could be playing alongside his Belgium team-mate at Chelsea next season, Hazard told Sky Sports News HQ: "I don't know, I don't want to talk about this. But Romelu is a big striker, he's a good guy and a good friend of mine.
"It's always good to play with the best in the world."
Lukaku, who is contracted at Everton until 2019, scored his first two goals at Euro 2016 on Saturday in the 3-0 Group E victory over the Republic of Ireland in Bordeaux.
Prior to the clash against the Irish, Lukaku had come in for criticism from a certain section of the Belgium press after a poor performance in the 2-0 opening day defeat to Italy.
But Hazard, who provided the assist for Lukaku's second goal at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, added: "For a striker it's great confidence to score goals. Lukaku showed how good he is.
"When a striker doesn't score, he tends to get criticism, but he can take it. He is mentally strong and I am sure he will be difference for us in each game, I hope."
