Los Blancos forward has revealed he held a secret meeting where he agreed to join Real Madrid a year before he finally quit Chelsea.

Hazard completed his protracted £150million move to Spain last summer after the Blues held out for the biggest fee they could for their star player.

The 28-year-old has lifted the lid on the behind-the-scenes discussions during an interview with Real Madrid TV.

He said: “Courtois is someone I know well and in which I trust. He always told me it was the best club. When he finished the World Cup in Russia I wanted to go to Madrid, I had already made the decision.

“It was not possible and I was another year Chelsea. That made the exit easier, Chelsea understood and let me out. I spoke to Florentino and told me that I was expected in Madrid.

“After I spoke with Luka Modric and felt that everyone wanted me see at Real Madrid. And finally fulfilled.”