Olivier Giroud admits Chelsea's players will be 'sad' to see Thibaut Courtois sold to Real Madrid.
The Belgium international has less than 12 months remaining on his current contract and is now on the brink of a £35 million switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Courtois has attempted to force through his move to Madrid this week by refusing to report back to pre-season training with Maurizio Sarri's side.
But despite leaving Stamford Bridge under a cloud, Giroud admits he would prefer the 26-year-old to stay.
'It's true that we have not seen him at training,' said Giroud.
'If he leaves it's going to be sad for us because he is a great keeper.'
Giroud also hopes that Eden Hazard will remain at Stamford Bridge.
'We want to keep him at Chelsea. It's a great feeling to play with this kind of player,' said the French striker.
'Eden and I texted each other after the World Cup.
'He congratulated me and N'Golo Kante.
'I didn't want to tease him about the semi-final. He had a very good World Cup and obviously he is a very special player.'
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