‘He’s an odd lad, but he’s wonderful’: Sarri says Chelsea will miss Hazard after Belgian all-but confirmed Real Madrid transfer

MAURIZIO SARRI labelled Eden Hazard an "odd lad" with an "extraordinary" talent as the Chelsea boss bade farewell to his Europa League final hero.

After Real Madrid-bound Hazard said "I think it's goodbye" following a 4-1 win over Arsenal, Sarri saluted the Premier League's finest playmaker for his seven superb years at Stamford Bridge.

Hazard bagged a 65th minute penalty and a lethal clincher soon after that as Chelsea turned on a shimmering show of second-half Sarri-ball.

And Sarri said of the Belgian's imminent departure: “I’m sad, because Hazard is an extraordinary player and can achieve even more.

"He’s an odd lad, but once you get into his comfort zone, he’s wonderful.”

The wizard of odd will be almost impossible to replace for the Blues.

And not even a fee of around £100million would be much consolation.

For now, though, Sarri hailed his whole team for their destruction of the Gunners.

'GOOD TO EXTRAORDINARY'

He said: “I think after tonight our season goes from good to extraordinary."

Nonetheless, over the whole term, Hazard was one of Chelsea's few truly consistent players in Sarri's first campaign in England

And although the Blues revived to finish third in the Prem and scoop a Euro trophy, the 28-year-old has long craved a move to Real.

Following his two-goal swansong against the Gunners in Baku, Hazard told BT Sport: "I think it’s a goodbye but in football you never know.

"My dream was to play in the Premier League and I did this for seven years in one of the biggest clubs in the world and now it’s maybe time for a new challenge."

And if that was not clear enough, Hazard added: I’ve talked my decision, now it depends on the club."

"It depends on both clubs and I’m just waiting like the fans wait."