Chelsea ace Olivier Giroud was so impressed with Eden Hazard he could only utter ‘f***’ the first time he trained with Belgian – before they met in Russia
The Frenchman couldn't help but swear when he trained with 'magician' Hazard for the first time, before the pair went on to meet in the World Cup
THE F-WORD was all Olivier Giroud could utter when he saw Eden Hazard in training for the first time.
The Frenchman striker has praised Blues' top scorer this season and called him a "magician" — as he completes his 11th month as a Stamford Bridge star.
"Sometimes, there’s two or three players around him and he still manages to get out in tight spaces.
"He’s a magician, he’s impressive. Now, I’ve started to know him and I don’t find myself near him. It’s better for him and for me."
Giroud has struggled with playing time under Maurizio Sarri this season.
He is yet to score in the Premier League for Blues, but secured three points in the Europa League with his goal against Bate Borisov before the international break.
Nevertheless, he has managed to work out a fruitful partnership with Hazard — most evident in the 4-1 victory over Cardiff in September when he set up the Belgian for two goals.
The winger was full of praise for Giroud after the game.
Hazard said: “He’s a target man – maybe the best in the world. I think he is.
“When he got the ball he holds it up and we can go with him and in deep too.
"He's an absolute pleasure to play with."