Eden Hazard beats Giroud to Europa League Player award

Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard has beaten Olivier Giroud to the Europa League Player of the Season (2018/19) award.

The Belgian international propelled Chelsea to last season’s title – including scoring twice in a 4-1 final victory over London rivals Arsenal – before a €100m summer move to Los Blancos.

Former Chelsea teammate Giroud finished second and Luka Jovic, another summer arrival for Madrid, finished third after scoring eight goals in the continental competition.

Hazard could not attend the ceremony, which coincided with the group stage draw as he is recovering from injury in the Spanish capital, report Football Espana.

“Thank you very much for the prize. It is an honour for me and I want to wish all the players who play this season in the Europa League a lot of luck,” the Belgian said in a pre-recorded video, as cited by Marca.

Hazard played eight games in the Europa League and scored two goals, both in the final. In addition, he gave two assists.

Photo Credit: Daily Express