Chelsea have exercised their option in Olivier Giroud’s contact, as the Frenchman will remain at the Stamford bridge for the 2020/21 season.
Chelsea took the option to extend Giroud’s contract by a year last month, extending his two-and-a-half-year stay at Chelsea which was due at the end of the current campaign.
Giroud made his presence felt prior to the ongoing suspension due to global health crisis, taking the responsibility from injured Tammy Abraham, and making some significant contributions.
The French World-Cup winner expertly found the net to open the scoring in Chelsea’s win against Tottenham in February, and helped the Blues knock out Liverpool of the FA Cup.
Indeed, Giroud was the last man who netted for Chelsea before the current unprecedented situation, in a 4-0 win over Carlos Ancelotti’s Everton at the Stamford Bridge.
Giroud spoke about his delight at extending the deal with Chelsea, speaking to Chelsea’s official website 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. 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.”
Another year as a Blue.
Congrats, @_OlivierGiroud_! 👊 pic.twitter.com/3ttj7MNce3— Chelsea FC (at 🏡) (@ChelseaFC) May 20, 2020
Chelsea Director Marina Granovskaia lauded about Olivier’s much praised attitude & professionalism when he was asked to play fiddle to Tammy Abraham: “It is clear to the club that Olivier continues to be a player we want in the squad, especially as we maintain the important balance between top-quality experience and the exciting young talent we have available, and his attitude when asked to play a supporting role has been exemplary. He is a proven trophy winner who we hope can help our new generation to become that too.”
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard also praised the presence Giroud has and his ability on and off the pitch: “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.”
Olivier Giroud joined Chelsea from City rivals Arsenal on the deadline-day in January 2018, he has made 39 starts and 37 sub appearances for the Blues, scoring 21 goals.
Giroud has won the FA Cup and the Europa League (Giroud’s eleven goals in Europa League was critical in Chelsea’s European triumph in 2018) with Chelsea, and also claimed the global glory on the international stage, winning the FIFA World Cup with France in the summer of 2018.
