It looks like Olivier Giroud’s time at Chelsea will come to an end this summer.
Since signing an 18-month contract with Chelsea for an undisclosed fee on 31st January 2018, Olivier Giroud has been a bit-part player in the team, though still making vital contributions either from starting a match or coming off from the bench.
At 33-year-old, the France International forward has seen his game time very limited; been used sparingly by Chelsea this season.
There are reports that the French striker has made up his mind and agreed personal terms with Inter Milan. With Giroud’s desire to get a regular game time, a summer move to Inter Milan seems inevitable.
Giroud has provided some great moments to Chelsea fans during his time in Blue – here are five of the best.
FA Cup Semi-Final vs Southampton
After a cagey first half, Giroud dribbled around four defenders before poking home the go-ahead goal less than 30 seconds into the second half of the match.
Although not known for his sublime footwork, Giroud danced and weaved past the Saints players to put Chelsea in front at Wembley and into the FA Cup Final.
Chelsea later went on to win the competition that year, and this goal was a certain highlight of their campaign.
Europa League Final
Winning the Europa League Final for Chelsea, while scoring against his old club is probably Giroud’s greatest moment in a Chelsea shirt. He was part of a sparkling display by the Chelsea team, rampaging over Unai Emery’s Arsenal in Baku.
He broke the deadlock when he met Emerson’s cross with a powerful header to score past Petr Cech and later teed up Eden Hazard who scored the fourth goal, playing a one-two with Giroud and putting the game to bed.
Perfect hat-trick in the rout of Dynamo Kiev
Chelsea cruised into the final eight of the Europa League with a comfortable 5-0 win over Dynamo Kiev in the Ukranian capital thanks to a a wonderful hat-trick from Olivier Giroud.
Having scored with his left foot, right foot and head, the Frenchman scored Chelsea’s first ‘perfect’ hat-trick in all competitions since Didier Drogba in May 2010.
It was a fantastic achievement for the Europa League top-scorer who netted his first hat-trick in a Chelsea shirt in style.
Super-sub Giroud
Giroud inspired a remarkable comeback for Chelsea from 2-0 down to win at Southampton in the 2017/2018 season.
Southampton seemed on course to a surprise victory over Chelsea until the entrance of substitute Olivier Giroud, sparked a listless Chelsea into life.
Giroud, only just off the bench, headed in Alonso’s perfect cross and then minutes later after Hazards goal, sealed a quite remarkable turnaround by firing through a posse of Saints defenders.
Three goals in eight second-half minutes – kept alive Chelsea’s faint hopes of playing in the Champions League next season.
Class display against Tottenham and Everton
Giroud’s performances have helped Lampard’s squad cope during the absence of the injured Tammy Abraham this season.
His all-round link-up play and his exquisite finish helped beat Jose Mourinho led Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in February.
His goal nine minutes into the second half against the Toffees was his second in three matches, following the Tottenham game.
The sweet finish against Everton showcased the underrated quality as a finisher Giroud has always possessed.
The former Arsenal and Montpellier star often goes unappreciated, but his record illustrates a striker who has consistently delivered at the highest level for both clubs and country and deserves more respect.
