Chelsea winger Hazard plays down comparisons to Messi, Ronaldo
Chelsea star Eden Hazard has played down comparisons to superstars Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, though he'd like to one day reach their level.
Hazard, 24, has been mentioned alongside Messi and Ronaldo after his brilliant 2014-15 Premier League season, and it led to him winning the PFA Players' Player of the Year award.
"For people, Eden Hazard has to score three goals in every game like Messi or Ronaldo," Hazard said after Chelsea's 1-0 loss to Fiorentina on Wednesday. "I don't know if I will reach that level one day, but I try to give my best. It doesn't matter if I score or not, I just want to play a good game."
Jose Mourinho's Chelsea completed its preseason with the defeat to the Serie A outfit in the International Champions Cup. But the Blues remain favorites to make it back-to-back league titles ahead of their opener at home against Swansea City on Saturday.
Hazard also is keen to take further steps in the Champions League after a round of 16 exit last season.
"Every year we try to win the league and the Champions League, but we know that this is very complicated," he said. "There are very strong teams, but before every season, we have this goal to win it."
Hazard said he expected similar teams in the title race, with Arsenal's form and Manchester United's recruitment impressing him.
"We still have the same competitors," he said. "Arsenal is currently in good form and they had a good preseason. Manchester United have recruited good players. [Manchester] City is still City. Liverpool is still Liverpool. The Premier League is always complicated. We never know what will happen. We will try to do the same as last year and be champions at the end."
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