GIROUD ADMITS HE NEARLY LEFT CHELSEA

Chelsea and France forward Olivier Giroud has opened up on why he decided to extend his contract with the Blues. He claimed that God wanted him to stay at Stamford Bridge, amid the outbreak of the Covid19 pandemic.

The world cup winner was heavily linked with a move away from the club after falling down the pecking order. He was behind Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi earlier this season, but he eventually decided to stay on for another year.

The striker revealed that he spoke to Chelsea boss, Frank Lampard regarding his future but with the Euro 2020 Championship being postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, he still has time to ensure that he makes the French squad.

Giroud revealed that he was very close to leaving the club in January. He had offers from England and Abroad. Tottenham and West Ham showed really interest in the player, while Inter Milan and AC Milan were ready to take the player to the Serie A.

Giroud stated that head coach Lampard refused to let him go because he had no direct substitute should he depart Stamford Bridge.

Giroud, 33, has been a decent performer for the Blues since he moved to the club in 2017, scoring 21 goals in 76 appearances in all competitions so far.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea winger Adrian Mutu has urged the club to find suitable replacements for the duo of Pedro and Willian. The experienced wingers are expected to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of their current contract. Mutu stated that it will be very difficult for the club to find an immediate replacement, but he admitted that they need to look within the club and invest in the transfer market to cover the vacuum created by the departure of Pedro and Willian.