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LONDON. — Jose Mourinho says Eden Hazard can become one of the world’s greatest soccer players after confirming the Belgian is close to signing a new contract.Sportsmail revealed on Monday that the forward is set to pen a new £200 000-per-week deal.

And speaking ahead of tonight’s Champions League opener against Schalke, the Blues boss said: “He means a lot because he’s a fantastic player.

“We are feeling day by day his motivation to work hard and improve. We have big hopes that he will go from the top player he is at this moment and will reach higher levels to become one of the best.

“He is a player who we want to keep, in spite of the fact he has a long-term contract as young as he is. It’s true Chelsea are trying to have an agreement over a new contract, and that he wants to stay and commit for a few more years.

“It’s a question of time. One more month, one less month, and he’ll have a new contract.  I think there’s been a big improvement. That’s why we’re seeing that, from a top talent, he’s a fantastic player.

“But now we want, because his talent allows him to, to go from a top player to one of the greats of his generation. That’s why we think he can and why we’re proud that he thinks that Chelsea is the perfect environment for him to have that evolution.

“That’s why he wants to commit to us, and why we want him to commit for the future, too.”

The Portuguese boss also fired a chilling warning to Chelsea’s rivals, insisting his side are yet to hit top gear despite their 100 per cent start to the season. The Blues have lived up to their tag as title favourites with a blistering start to the season, summer signings Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas in particular impressing for the Stamford Bridge club. — Mailonline.