Chelsea ace Eden Hazard has paid a glowing tribute to Mohamed Salah ahead of Saturday's trip to Liverpool.

The former team-mates have struck up a friendship which has lasted beyond Salah's miserable year at Chelsea.

Ahead of tomorrow's trip to Anfield, Hazard, 26, said: “I will ask him for his shirt, for sure. He is still my friend. We are still in contact together and he's a top, top, top player.

“He did not get his chance at Chelsea but we know, in the team, the quality he has. He is a fantastic striker — this season he has scored a lot of goals. He didn't get the chance at Chelsea. Maybe because of the manager, maybe because of the players, I don't know.

“But remember, in this period it was me, Willian, Oscar, Juan Mata, so for him it was not easy. Now I am just happy for him. I was watching him when he played for Roma and he did very well."