Chelsea and Arsenal’s derby rivalry takes on higher stakes on Wednesday when they battle for the Europa League trophy in Baku (9pm kickoff).
For Blues superstar Eden Hazard it would be the perfect way to cap off his Stamford Bridge career, as he all but confirmed that this would be his final match for the club.
When asked if beating Arsenal in the all-Premier League match in Azerbaijan would be the perfect way to bow out, Hazard admitted: “Yes.
“I just want to win the trophy that is it. It does not matter in the game if I score or I do not score. If it is my last game I hope to bring the trophy.
The @EuropaLeague final is here! 🙌
🔵 v 🔴 #UELfinal pic.twitter.com/5vQVmMvxGp
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 29, 2019
“I don’t know when something happens. At the moment nothing happen. So I can say nothing.”
For the Gunners, winning the title would see them return to the Champions League after two years’ absence.
STEPPING UP: Granit Xhaka. Photo: Tony O'brien/Reuters.
And midfielder Granit Xhaka believes that three-time winning coach Unai Emery will be the man to guide them to glory.
Xhaka says: “We have to be in the Champions League.
“He [Emery] would be the first coach if he wins a fourth, so it’s nice if you are alone at the top.
🔵 Like a boss 😎 #UELfinal| @ChelseaFC| @hazardeden10 pic.twitter.com/cCYIpcYfrY
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 29, 2019
“If you’re three times in the final in the Europa League you have a lot of experience.”