Olivier Giroud open to MLS move as striker falls down Chelsea pecking order under Lampard

OLIVIER Giroud is weighing up a move to the States as the striker looks for a "final challenge" once he leaves Chelsea.

The Frenchman's family would be up for the switch across the Pond and one he may consider in a year or two's time.

Giroud told : "MLS, for my family, my kids who speak English... it's interesting.

"In a year? In two years? I don't know when.

"But of course after that I'll be open to a final challenge."

The US is a popular destination for elite level footballers in the twilight of their career but similar avenues such as China, Japan and Australia cannot be ruled out.

Adding that "it's not just MLS" that he is interested in, Giroud continues to plot his post-Stamford Bridge career having fallen down Frank Lampard's pecking order.

With one goal from four appearances this season, two of which have been as a substitute, the ex-Arsenal man has seen Tammy Abraham seize the initiative with consecutive braces.

It is a familiar story for Giroud under his new boss having been shunned by Maurizio Sarri for much of last season.

Since moving to Chelsea in January of last year, he has scored 19 goals and set up a further 13 from 67 outings - the vast majority of his contribution coming in the Europa League.

And while he was out of contract in the summer, Giroud acknowledged that the Blues' happiness with his efforts led to them extending his stay.

He noted: "There were no discussions because the club had an option for another year and they took it because they were happy with what I was bringing to the club.

"It is more than that, there really is confidence.

"After that, it was not necessarily my will to leave and I never really asked myself the question about possibly leaving."