Hazard could have joined Tottenham

Chelsea star Eden Hazard says he could have been playing for Tottenham this season had they qualified for this season's Champions League.

The 21-year-old Belgium midfielder moved to Stamford Bridge from Lille this summer, but could have ended up in north rather than west London.

"It's true that Tottenham tempted me because it was a young team which was third in the league," Hazard said in a France Football article quoted in the Daily Mail.

"Unfortunately, the end of the season did not go well. They did not reach the Champions League, which tipped the balance."

Chelsea won the Champions League last season, which ultimately cost Spurs their place, but Hazard did not enjoy the manner in which they did it.

"Nobody was really a fan of Chelsea's game last season," he said.

"The directors told me they were going to recruit good players with whom I could play decent football. Marko Marin, Oscar and me, we like to have the ball at our feet. Juan Mata likes the ball, so does Ramires.

"The title of European champions, and Champions League qualification, counted for a lot because the club was not doing well in the league.

"Once Chelsea won the final, it was a natural choice."