Chelsea winger Eden Hazard has claimed that he played with an injury for the majority of last season.

Hazard was criticised for his drop in form during a time when the Blues were struggling for results, but the Belgian - who has been one of the club's star performers under Antonio Conte - has revealed that he was never 100% fit.

The 25-year-old told The Guardian: "I'm playing without pain. Last year was complicated.

"Some people didn't believe it, but I played with an injury for a long time. I was never 100%, and when you're not completely fit it's hard to play at your best.

"I had a good break after the Euros, a good pre-season, and was ready."

Hazard has netted seven goals in 14 appearances in all competitions this season.

Written by
Darren Plant