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Zidane admits 'love' for Hazard, increases Madrid speculation

Published Nov. 14, 2015 6:24 a.m. ET

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Zinedine Zidane has hailed Chelsea star Eden Hazard as "spectacular", increasing speculation Real Madrid will try to sign the Belgian.

Hazard, whose relationship with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly broken down, has previously been linked with a move to either the Spanish giants or PSG.

And with Zidane, who coaches Real's reserve team Castilla, publicly declaring his admiration of the 24-year-old, these reports are likely to gather momentum.

"After Messi and Ronaldo, Hazard is my favorite player," the Real legend said.

"I love watching him because he is a player who creates things and it is often spectacular to see him play. Do I see him going to Real Madrid ? Ask someone else. I love the player and that's all."

The former France captain made similar remarks when Los Blancos were trying to lure Gareth Bale to Madrid in 2013, and it is not the first time he has praised the Blues' reigning player of the year.

"Obviously, there is Lionel Messi and Ronaldo, both of whom are spectacular, but I like Eden Hazard more," Zidane said in April.

"I like everything he does on the field. I like his behavior, his decisiveness and love to see his progress every year."

Hazard was named both Football Writers' Player of the Year and the PFA Player of the Year after his performances in Chelsea's title win last season, but has failed to recapture that form this campaign, with the Blues currently languishing in 16th.

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