OLIVIER GIROUD has hinted he could yet join AC Milan this summer despite having his Chelsea contract extended for another season.
The French World Cup winner, 34, was set to become a free agent this summer as his deal neared its expiration date.
WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game this summer
And Giroud was widely tipped to agree a move to resurgent Serie A giants AC Milan.
However, Chelsea announced this week they had secretly triggered a clause to extend it for a further year.
That means Giroud will no longer be free to discuss a transfer to a new club this summer unless Chelsea receive an appropriate transfer bid.
Fans speculated Giroud may continue to play a role under Thomas Tuchel next term after helping Chelsea win the Champions League.
Dream Team Euros is HERE!
The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
Dream Team Euros
However, the veteran appears to have left the door open to Milan by claiming it was Chelsea’s decision, and not his, to activate his contract extension.
Giroud went on to praise two of Milan’s legendary strikers before calling the Italians of the continent’s best sides.
Giroud said: “I want to make it clear that Chelsea reactivated the clause in April.
“And they recently announced it to comply with Premier League rules.
BETTING SPECIAL – GET ENGLAND TO WIN EURO 2020 AND HARRY KANE TO BE TOP SCORER AT 18/1
“It’s fair to remember that I liked Marco van Basten and Andriy Shevchenko.
“Milan are a big club and one of the great teams in Europe.
“But today, I will not talk about my future at the club because I am focused on the France team and the Euros, which is fast approaching.”
