Eden Hazard signs new five-and-a-half year deal with Chelsea

Hazard joined Chelsea from Lille in June 2012 and has since made a total 147 appearances for the Blues, scoring 43 goals.

"I am very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea," Hazard told the club's official website. "Since I came here in 2012 I have always felt good and the club has been very supportive to me."

Hazard has scored 13 goals in 36 appearances so far this season, helping Chelsea take a seven-point lead at the top of the table, while also reaching the Capital One Cup final and the last 16 of the Champions League.

"The manager has helped me improve a lot, the fans have been fantastic and I have an amazing understanding with my team-mates," Hazard continued.

"I always try to give pleasure to the supporters with my style of play and it is nice to know they appreciate my work.

"I hope we can repay that support by winning lots of trophies, beginning with the Capital One Cup at Wembley, and after that, we can push hard towards the end of the season."

Blues boss Jose Mourinho criticised Hazard in May last year, claiming "he is not the kind of player ready to sacrifice himself 100 per cent for the team".

The 24-year-old appears, however, to have earned the trust of his manager, having started every one of Chelsea's league matches in the current campaign.

"I am very happy that Eden has signed a new contract," Mourinho said.

"It shows he believes in the club's coaching staff and players to help him become the best player in the world.

"He is already a top player and his evolution has been fantastic. He is still very young and he can become the best."

Hazard was named PFA Young Player of the Year and Chelsea's Player of the Year at the end of last season, having finished with 17 goals in all competitions.

The forward won the Europa League in his first campaign at Stamford Bridge and also helped Belgium reach the World Cup quarter-finals in Brazil last summer.