Eden Hazard has revealed that Didier Drogba played a big role in his decision to join Chelsea from Lille in 2012.

The Belgium international has been a standout player for the Premier League champions this season, producing a number of highly-impressive displays to be crowned PFA Player of the Year.

However, Hazard admits that it could have been so much different had he not spoken to Chelsea legend Drogba, with the West London outfit struggling in the top flight when they made their interest known.

"I didn't want to go to Chelsea because I wanted to play the Champions League and they were sixth in the league," the 32m signing told French sports magazine So Foot.

"I was convinced when they won the Champions League in 2012. At the time, Roberto Di Matteo really wanted me, they had Juan Mata, and Oscar had been bought. I was told: 'You'll see, Chelsea will play football'.

"Gervinho called me and said: 'Someone's on the phone'. I didn't know who it was but it was Drogba, he wanted me to sign. I was flattered, he was maybe the best striker in the world. In my head, I wasn't going to sign, but in the end I was very pleased with my choice."

Hazard has won the Premier League, League Cup and Europa League in his three years at Stamford Bridge.