Ross Barkley speaks on Eden Hazard's Chelsea future

Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley has urged Eden Hazard to stay with the Blues for the long-term, though he admits that he cannot influence the decision of the Belgium international.

In a recent interview, Hazard praised the qualities of Barkley by stating that he could be one of the best in the world and the Englishman has now reciprocated the comments by stressing the attacker's importance to the Blues.

"It's important [he stays] because he's been at Chelsea for a long time. He's achieved so much. But I can't speak for Eden. He knows in his mind what he wants but I'd love to play with him for many more years," he told Sky Sports News.

Barkley has transformed his career since the arrival of Maurizio Sarri at the helm and his performances have earned him a return to the England national side after nearly 18 months.

Hazard, on the other hand, has regularly talked up the possibility of joining Real Madrid and it remains to be seen whether he would remain committed to the Blues beyond the current campaign.