Chelsea extend ‘delighted’ striker Olivier Giroud’s contract until the end of next season
CHELSEA have used their option to extend Olivier Giroud's stay at Stamford Bridge.
The French forward, 33, admitted he is "delighted" to be with the club until the end of next season.
Giroud has been heavily linked with a move away from the club ahead of the summer transfer window with Inter and AC Milan both keen.
He has scored just two goals in nine Premier League appearances for Frank Lampard's side this season.
His deal was set to expire at the end of next month, but Chelsea tied him down until the end of the 2020/21 campaign last month.
After putting pen to paper, Giroud said: "I am delighted to continue my journey and adventure at Chelsea.
"I can't wait to get back to playing and enjoying competitive football with my team-mates.
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"I'm looking forward to wearing the Chelsea shirt again, especially in front of our fans at a full Stamford Bridge, whenever it is safe to do so."
Blues boss Lampard added: "Since I have been back at Chelsea, Olivier has been brilliant as a professional and as a man in general.
"He has great qualities to help the squad both on and off the pitch, not only with his talent but with the example he sets every day and the experience he brings to our young squad.
"I am very pleased that will continue next season."
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Giroud proved his importance to the club when he filled in for crocked striker Tammy Abraham before the coronavirus crisis.
Since arriving at the club from Arsenal in January 2018, he has scored 21 goals and won the FA Cup and Europa League.
He was labelled a "go kart" by France team-mate Karim Benzema - but he proved him wrong as he rocked up to training in a Ferrari this week.