Eden Hazard signed a new five-and-a-half-year deal with Chelsea FC, the club announced on Thursday.

Hazard, who moved to Chelsea from Lille in 2012, was linked to several clubs over the past several weeks, but the star midfielder expressed commitment to his current club. He said the new deal is a clear proof he has enjoyed his stay since moving to Stamford Bridge three years ago.

"Since I came here in 2012 I have always felt good, and the club has been very supportive to me," Hazard said in a statement. "The manager has helped me improve a lot, the fans have been fantastic and I have an amazing understanding with my teammates."

In 147 appearances for Chelsea since making the move from French Ligue 1, Hazard has netted 43 goals, including a team-high 17 in all competitions last season. This season, the 24-year-old has already netted 13 goals in 36 appearances.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who is in his second season as Blues manager, was not too impressed with Hazard last year, accusing the midfielder of not giving 100 percent effort for the club.

But after responding to the challenge, Hazard has been big for Mourinho, who praised the Belgium international on Thursday, saying that the young midfielder could become the best football player in the world.

"I am very happy that Eden has signed a new contract. It shows he believes in the club's coaching staff and players to help him become the best player in the world," Mourinho said in a statement. "He is already a top player and his evolution has been fantastic. He is still very young and he can become the best."

Hazard, who was voted as the club's Player of the Year for the 2013-14 season, vowed to repay the trust of fans and club executives by helping Chelsea win more trophies in the coming years.

"I'm very happy because I'm playing for one of the best clubs in the world," Hazard said in an interview. "I can take pleasure on the pitch and I can try to win trophies -- that's what's most important. I want to say thank you to the club, all the fans and everybody that works for Chelsea."

Chelsea are currently on top of the Barclays Premier League standings with 59 points in 25 matches. The Blues hold a seven-point advantage against defending champions Manchester City, while Manchester United are in third place with 47 points.

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