Hazard said sorry to Mourinho via text after his sacking

Chelsea star Eden Hazard has revealed he sent a text message to Jose Mourinho to say sorry after the former Blues boss was sacked.

The Special One was given his marching orders after a disastrous start to the season, despite winning the Premier League in 2014-15.

Hazard was one of three players, along with Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas, branded a 'rat' by a banner at the first home game following Mourinho's departure.

He failed to replicate his form from last season as the Blues struggled, and only recently netted his first goal of the campaign from the penalty spot in the FA Cup win at MK Dons.

“I sent him the message to say I was sorry he had gone and … well … just that I was sorry,” Hazard told The Guardian . "I felt a little bit guilty because I’d been player of the year and this year I’d performed less well.

"So I sent that text to José and he came back to me, wishing me all the best for the future. For a team of champions to go through what we have this year even I can’t explain.

"Things have been better recently, but we’re still not winning games quite as we used to. No one can put his finger on what’s happened at Chelsea.”

Chelsea host Manchester United on Sunday, looking to continue their slow ascent up the Premier League table.

They have risen to 13th in the league, but still sit 16 points behind Arsenal and Tottenham who occupy the final two Champions League places.