Football

Olivier Giroud admits he may be 'forced' to leave Chelsea in January transfer


Olivier Giroud has admitted he may have to leave Chelsea in the January transfer window.

Giroud has scored twice for France in their Euro 2020 qualifiers this international break, but has found first-team opportunities at Chelsea hard to come by after Tammy Abraham’s excellent start to the Premier League campaign.

England striker Abraham has scored eight goals in as many appearances for Chelsea this season, with Giroud having made just one start in the league for Frank Lampard’s side.

After scoring in France 1-1 draw with Turkey on Monday, Giroud vowed to keep fighting for a place at Chelsea – but he knows he may have a decision to make in January.

“I’m going to fight for my place in Chelsea,” Giroud said in quotes reported by Goal . “The coach knows it. And we will make the decision in January.

Olivier Giroud headed France into the lead against Turkey on Monday night

“If I want to leave Chelsea? Not necessarily. But if I need to make a choice… I have some beautiful years in front of me. I’m 33, I still have legs and a good healthy lifestyle and I feel good physically.”

Giroud joined Chelsea from Arsenal in January 2018, and said he wouldn’t be afraid to move again.

“I want to have fun and want to play more games. Chelsea is my priority, but if in the end I’m forced to make a choice, I will do it as when I left Arsenal,” he said.

Giroud also scored against Iceland from the spot last week

“[Lampard] will almost certainly watch the matches. In any case, I am going back to Chelsea pumped up.”

Giroud scored France’s winner from the penalty spot in their 1-0 win over Iceland on Friday, before coming off the bench to head them into the lead on Monday night.

And a move could be good for his future international prospects, according to France boss Didier Deschamps, who said after the game he is concerned over Giroud’s lack of game time so far this season.

Tammy Abraham’s excellent form for Chelsea has limited Giroud’s chances

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“Olivier suffers because of his situation. Before January, nothing will move,” Deschamps said.

“After, it will be up to him to see. I hope he will have more playing time.

“But we cannot take away his goals, his good performances. He scores, he makes others play well.

“He knows he is under pressure, but he always responds.”





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