Olivier Giroud reveals Eden Hazard is the best player he has ever played with and admits lure of Ligue 1 return

The Chelsea striker will be out of contract this summer with Lyon and Marseille potential options

Olivier Giroud has heaped praise on Eden Hazard by claiming his Chelsea team-mate is the best he has ever played with.

The French forward, who has scored five and assisted five more in all competitions this season, will be a free agent this summer.

And the 32-year-old has admitted the arrival of Gonzalo Higuain, in addition to Maurizio Sarri deploying Hazard as a false No 9, could push him to return to play in Ligue 1 next season.

“The coach makes Hazard play nine which is detrimental to strikers,” said the Frenchman to Canal +. “But he is the best player I’ve ever played with.

“If the club decides to get another striker, like Higuain, it will certainly darken my future at Chelsea.

“I’ve never said no to a return to France. Lyon and Marseille are two great clubs. My priority is to stay in the Premier League though.”

Giroud admitted the criticism for failing to score at the 2018 World Cup has got to him, but his overall standing in French football history leaves him satisfied.

Olivier Giroud’s contract with Chelsea expires this summer (AFP/Getty)

“I will never make people unanimously satisfied with me,” Giroud added.

“There is a little part of regret and frustration. The public expects a goalscorer to score goals.

Giroud claims Eden Hazard is the best player he has ever played with (Getty)

“I’m the fourth best goalscorer of French football and nobody can take that away from me.”

Giroud came off the bench to replace Higuain in the FA Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, and will hope to remain involved in the cup competitions as the Blues battle on four fronts.