Eden Hazard plays down Lionel Messi comparisons

New Chelsea signing Eden Hazard has played down comparisons between himself and Lionel Messi.

Many pundits believe that the Belgian midfielder, who joined the Blues from Lille earlier this summer, has the ability to become as good as Barcelona attacker Messi.

However, the 21-year-old has insisted that he wants to do things his own way.

"Messi is the world's best player and it's a bit of an exaggeration to say I can be that good," he told The Sun.

"But I am happy if people see similarities between us, and being compared to Messi makes me think about what I can achieve with Chelsea rather than the obstacles I need to overcome to get there.

"Ultimately it's the coach who will decide if I play in a similar role to the one Messi plays for Barca but I am looking to succeed the Eden Hazard way."

Hazard cost Chelsea a reported £32m.