BELGIUM World Cup midfielder Eden Hazard has signed a new five-and-a-half year deal with Premier League leaders Chelsea.
Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho had joked that the only thing stalling the deal was trying to find a “new pen”.
Hazard’s representatives had been in negotiations for months. He has apparently agreed a contract in the region of £200,000.
“I am very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea,” said Hazard on the club’s official website. “Since I came here in 2012 I have always felt good and the club has been very supportive to me.
“The manager has helped me improve a lot, the fans have been fantastic and I have an amazing understanding with my team-mates.
“I always try to give pleasure to the supporters with my style of play and it is nice to know they appreciate my work.”
Hazard, 24, has scored 13 goals in all competitions this season. He arrived at Stamford Bridge from Lille in a £32 million deal in 2012, scoring 43 goals in 147 appearances for the London club.
“I am very happy that Eden has signed a new contract,” said Mourinho. “It shows he believes in the club’s coaching staff and players to help him become the best player in the world.
“He is already a top player and his evolution has been fantastic. He is still very young and he can become the best.”