Emerson Palmieri has admitted that he is “afraid” of Eden Hazard leaving Chelsea, but insists that he believes the winger will stay put.
The Italian international spoke to Sky Sports ahead of the Blues’ upcoming Premier League fixture against Everton at the weekend.
He has regularly featured in the second half of the season, with Maurizio Sarri opting to deploy him at left-back instead of the previously-preferred Marcos Alonso.
Emerson was quizzed about the importance of Hazard to Chelsea and discussed what the future might hold for his teammate.
The ex-Roma wing-back lavished praise on the winger and while reiterating how important it will be for the Blues to retain his services, did not deny that the prospect of him departing leaves him fearful.
Emerson said:
He shows every day how important he is. Obviously, we have many players of quality in our team but he is on another level and is one of the best in the world.
I personally cannot see him leaving, but you never know in football. Like Chelsea fans, we are afraid that he might leave, I still believe that he will stay and we really want him to stay.
Hazard sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire in the summer of 2020 and recent reports have indicated that he is keen to join Real Madrid ahead of next season.
