Frank Lampard excited by Eden Hazard arrival

Eden Hazard
© PA Photos
Frank Lampard has described Eden Hazard as a "welcome" addition to the Chelsea squad.

The 21-year-old Belgium international confirmed his intention to join the Blues on Monday, despite offers from Manchester United and Manchester City.

Having spoken to former teammate Joe Cole, who has played alongside Hazard at French club Lille, Lampard believes that Chelsea have added a "top player" to their ranks ahead of the new season.

"It is very exciting to hear the news. I haven't seen much French football but everyone I speak to says he is a very top player, a very top young player," Lampard told reporters.

"If he can bring that youth and hunger and ability into our team, then he'll be very welcome.

"Joe Cole knows him very well and spent a year at Lille with him. Talking about those type of players, Joe is very honest and knowledgeable and he has been very impressed with him."

Lampard was speaking just hours before suffering a thigh injury that could rule him out of England's Euro 2012 campaign.
Tables
TeamPGDPTS
1Manchester United384389
2Manchester City383278
3Chelsea383675
4Arsenal383573
5Tottenham Hotspur382072
6Everton381563
7Liverpool382861
8West Bromwich Albion38-449
9Swansea City38-446
10West Ham United38-846
11Norwich City38-1744
12Fulham38-1043
13Stoke City38-1142
14Southampton38-1141
15Aston Villa38-2241
16Newcastle United38-2341
17Sunderland38-1339
RWigan Athletic38-2636
RReading38-3028
RQueens Park Rangers38-3025