OLIVIER GIROUD told Chelsea manager Frank Lampard: Play me or I am off. The France striker hit four goals in the 4-0 Champions League victory away in Sevilla on Wednesday before delivering the sobering message. Giroud, 34, says the next month will be crucial for both his club and international hopes as he bids for […]
OLIVIER GIROUD told Chelsea manager Frank Lampard: Play me or I am off.
The France striker hit four goals in the 4-0 Champions League victory away in Sevilla on Wednesday before delivering the sobering message.
Giroud, 34, says the next month will be crucial for both his club and international hopes as he bids for more first-team action ahead of the Euros next summer.
He said: “I am ready to fight until the end. But obviously to be happy I need to be a little bit more on the pitch.
“I have a good chance to be ready for the Euros if I play more than in the beginning of the season.
“I had a conversation with France manager Didier Deschamps and he said if the situation stayed like that, you will have to make a decision in January.
“But I’m pretty sure I can grab more game-time and stay at Chelsea because that’s what I want.
“But you never know in football — everything is going very fast.”
Giroud remains on good terms with Lampard, despite spending much of the season on the bench.
It has not affected the World Cup winner’s sharpness as he helped Chelsea grab top spot in their Champions League group with a game to spare.
He is the best pound-for-pound goalscorer at the club — with one for every 46 minutes he is on the pitch.
Next best is Tammy Abraham on 155.
The Blues face Leeds tomorrow with a strong call for Giroud to start his first Prem game this campaign.
He said: “The best answer when you are not playing much is not being sad — it’s being positive.
“I try to do that every single day. I believe in my qualities and keep calm and confident. I know what I am capable of.”
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