AS Monaco midfielder Cesc Fabregas has jumped to the defence of former Chelsea teammate Eden Hazard.

The Belgian left Chelsea for Real Madrid this summer for €150m.

Hazard's preseason form with new club Real Madrid has drawn criticism, including claims he first arrived overweight.

But Cesc told Marca: "I'm surprised to talk about his weight, it seems that people have not seen his seven years in the Premier League.

"The preseason may have been difficult for him, playing in Madrid is an important step, but I do not doubt him."

The former Barcelona midfielder also revealed he's had offers from Real.

"There was very strong interest in Madrid for me four times. The first two caught me very young. In the third I had made the decision to go to Barça, but I also listened to Real."