Branislav Ivanovic defended Eden Hazard after the Chelsea playmaker was booed off and made a half-time shirt swap in the Champions League exit to Paris St Germain on Wednesday night.

Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink afterwards revealed Hazard had a hip problem and Ivanovic believes the Belgian showed his commitment to the cause by playing.

"It's not an excuse, but people have to think about the fact he started the game injured," Ivanovic said in the Evening Standard.

"Did that show how committed he is? Yes. Of course when you lose a game the fans are not happy and they have to be like that.

"But in my opinion it was one of his best performances so far. He was very strong and quick. He wanted to score and had a couple of actions where he looked like last season."