Eden Hazard’s Cheeky ‘Old Man’ Welcome for Giroud

Eden Hazard wasted no time lighting up social media on Tuesday, recording a playful “Old man!” greeting for Olivier Giroud after the veteran striker sealed a surprise one-year move to Lille following his exit from MLS side Los Angeles FC.

Eden Hazard steals the show with cheeky greeting

The former Chelsea and Lille superstar burst onto fans’ timelines with a 25-second video packed with banter. Looking relaxed in a holiday shirt, Eden Hazard congratulated Giroud on “coming home” before adding, with a grin, “You’re 38 now—take it easy, old man!” The clip instantly went viral among Blues supporters and Ligue 1 followers alike, reminding everyone of the warm chemistry the duo forged during their trophy-laden spell at Stamford Bridge.

Shared memories at Chelsea

Hazard and Giroud spent two fruitful seasons together in west London, lifting the 2019 Europa League and forging a telepathic connection that produced some of the club’s most memorable attacking sequences. For Hazard, who departed for Real Madrid that summer, Giroud’s arrival in northern France feels like a reunion of sorts with a beloved teammate at the club where his own legend began.

Eden Hazard name-drops Lille legacy

In the same video, Eden Hazard couldn’t resist referencing his own roots, telling Giroud, “You’ll love the fans—they still sing my name!” The Belgian winger remains a Lille icon after guiding Les Dogues to their 2010-11 Ligue 1 title at just 20 years old. His words were both a reminder of past glory and a challenge for Giroud to etch his own name into the club’s folklore.

Why Giroud chose Lille for his Ligue 1 encore

Giroud’s decision to swap Southern California sunshine for the brisk winds of Hauts-de-France surprised many, yet the rationale is compelling. Lille offered guaranteed minutes in a Champions-League-chasing side, the chance to be closer to family, and an opportunity to mentor a crop of gifted youngsters led by Jonathan David. The Frenchman also had lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and the United States, but he prioritised competitive football at the highest possible level.

Contract details and squad role

• Length: One year, with an option for an additional 12 months based on appearances.
• Salary: Reportedly €2.5 million net, a significant pay cut from his MLS deal.
• Shirt number: 9, vacated by the departing Jonathan Bamba.
Head coach Paulo Fonseca sees Giroud as both a focal point and a dressing-room leader. “His experience is priceless,” Fonseca noted. “We have a youthful squad—Olivier can teach them how to win.”

What the stats say

Giroud left LAFC with eight goals in 15 regular-season appearances, maintaining his reputation as one of the game’s most reliable penalty-box finishers. At 38, he remains France’s all-time leading scorer with 57 international goals, outpacing even Thierry Henry. Data from the last three seasons show he still ranks in the 86th percentile for aerial duels won across Europe’s top leagues—evidence that Lille have secured more than just a nostalgia signing.

Lille’s ambitions with Hazard’s blessing

Club president Olivier Létang publicly thanked Eden Hazard for his supportive message, quipping that the door “is always open” should the retired winger fancy lacing up his boots again. While a Hazard comeback seems unlikely, his endorsement amplifies Lille’s marketing push ahead of a pivotal campaign. Season-ticket inquiries reportedly spiked within hours of the announcement, underlining the commercial impact of Giroud’s arrival coupled with Hazard’s viral approval.

Remembering Hazard’s own Lille legacy

From 2007 to 2012, Eden Hazard played 194 matches for Lille, scoring 50 goals and delivering 53 assists. He won Ligue 1 Player of the Season twice and was central to a domestic double in 2011. By invoking those memories, the club hopes to galvanise supporters and create a bridge between past and present heroes.

Chelsea connection lives on

Lille have become a haven for ex-Chelsea stars in recent years. Tiago Djaló, Michael Essien (in a coaching capacity), and now Olivier Giroud all have Blues links. Eden Hazard’s cameo reinforces that narrative, positioning Lille as a familiar landing spot for players shaped by Stamford Bridge’s demanding environment.

Eden Hazard call raises standards

Giroud revealed in his introductory press conference that Hazard’s message “made me laugh but also reminded me I can’t relax.” The striker added, “When Eden Hazard tells you to make the fans happy, you listen.” Staff insiders say the Belgian’s playful jibe has already upped the intensity in training, with younger forwards eager to impress both Giroud and their distant elder, Hazard.

Opinion: A feel-good transfer with strategic upside

Eden Hazard’s good-natured ribbing epitomises what makes this move tick: camaraderie, narrative, and genuine football value. Lille get a proven match-winner without a transfer fee, Ligue 1 regains a global star, and Giroud secures a stage worthy of his enduring talent. If the veteran can supply 12-15 goals while tutoring David and Yusuf Yazıcı, Les Dogues could mount a serious title challenge. In short, the deal is more than nostalgia; it is a calculated step that benefits every stakeholder—from boardroom to terraces, with Eden Hazard cheering from afar.