Eden Hazard: Luka Modric won't give me the No 10 shirt

Eden Hazard says Luka Modric won't hand him the No 10 shirt at Real Madrid, having asked the Croatian about it through his compatriot Mateo Kovacic.

Kovacic is on loan at Chelsea from Real Madrid.

“I was lucky enough to speak to Modric through Kovacic," said Hazard. "I joked and asked him if he'd let me have 10 and he said no. I'll have to find another number but that's not important, playing for this badge is the main thing."

Here are Hazard's other key quotes from his presentation on Thursday.

Zidane

“Everyone knows Zidane was my idol and now for him to be my coach is a significant factor. But I've always wanted to play for this club. I usually enjoy playing on the left or as a number 10 but it's not my decision."

Dream come true

“I've always dreamed of Real Madrid. I'm not just saying it today because I've signed here, it's been that way since I was a kid. I've been through several stages in my career. First in France and then in England. This was the perfect moment to come and play for Real Madrid. Now I have to show my quality on the pitch."

Demands

The fans are demanding because the club is demanding. A club that wants to win everything and it's normal the people expect the best. The key thing is to work as hard as possible on the pitch. I have come here to give my best for Real Madrid and I hope the fans will be happy.”

Conversation with Courtois

“I've spoken to him a lot about Real Madrid. He told me that if I had the slightest chance, I shouldn't think twice; I had to come because it's the best club in the world. He's a good friend and I enjoy playing with him, we hope we can win many titles together.”

Penalties

“The captain is a great penalty-taker, if he asks me to take them... although I don't think he will (laughs). I imagine he'll keep taking them and he does a great job.”

Timing of the signing

“I don't think it's too late, I'm 28 years old. I'm at the peak of my career. Between 27 and 32 is the best time for a footballer. I've held the dream of playing here for a long time. I've spent time at Lille and Chelsea. Now was the time to talk about a before and after in my career. I'm coming to the world's biggest club and that will help me to progress.”

“It all started last year after the World Cup but I stayed at Chelsea for one more year. I had a great season and we won the Europa League. This was the perfect time to sign for Real Madrid and I'm going to give it my all for the club".

Becoming the best player in the world

“I'll do my best. But first, I wanted to be playing for the best team in the world. I've enjoyed a lot of success with Chelsea and I want to win a lot with Real Madrid. Now I've got a new challenged and I'm ready.”

Conversation with the president

“We saw each other once at a trophy gala in London and we had a relaxed chat. He told me the time was right to come to Real Madrid. I was thrilled to hear the president say it. Now I'm here and I hope we can win a lot together.”

Message to the fans

“Thanks for coming. I'm very happy to have seen so many people. It all went great and I'm very pleased to have got the chance to see my new fans. I can't wait to get playing and show what I can do on the pitch.”

Leader

“There are several leaders at Real Madrid, not just one. The group is the key thing. I'm coming to try and improve the group with my experience, my dribbling, my goals… I hope we can do a good job together. I've been a leader at Chelsea and with the national team. I think it will be the same here.”

Do you consider yourself a galactico?

“I'm not a galactico, not yet. I hope I will be one day. I'm Eden Hazardand everything I've done in the past doesn't count anymore, this is a clean slate. I'm starting from scratch and I don't think I'm a galactico, just a very good player.”

Upping his level

“You can always improve in football. There are always elements to work on. We all hope we can improve our performances and that will be seen in the games. We'll try and go as high as possible all together. I think I can improve and I believe this team will allow me to go up another level”.

The Ballon d'Or and Real Madrid

“This year, the Ballon d'Or winner is at Madrid in Modric. I don't know if it will be easier to win it here but it depends how we play. In recent years, Real Madrid players have won it lots I'm focused on the collective, on helping the team to win and if one day I win the Ballon d'Or, then why not. The most important thing are the titles with Real Madrid."

Mbappé and Pogba

“I'm not here to discuss transfers. I come to play with the best. There are new players already and we'll have some time to adapt. It's true that we want to play with the best and the guys you've mentioned are two of those but I don't decide these things."

Karim Benzema

“The connection with him could be fantastic. I played against him in France. He's been here for 9 years and I think he's the best centre forward in the world. Playing and training with him will make me a better player. I hope we have a good connection on and off the pitch that will see us score lots of goals."

Real Madrid's last season

"I was very focused on Chelsea. Real Madrid have won so much over the last five years. I hope to begin a new cycle with new players and with the guys who are here already, who have won so much."