OLIVIER Giroud admits he was keen to leave Chelsea in the January transfer but the club blocked a move with Tottenham and Inter interested.
The French striker has struggled for game time this season but has found himself in the starting line-up following the injury to first-choice Tammy Abraham.
Olivier Giroud has been leading the line in Tammy Abrahams absenceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Giroud, 33, has only started four league matches this season, including Chelsea’s last two fixtures and ther former Arsenal man was expected to leave in January but Frank Lampard was unable to find a replacement.
Tottenham, who have struggled with injuries in the forward department, were considering a move for the forward but Chelsea blocked the move.
Injuries to Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min left Jose Mourinho desperate for a striker but Lampard was not keen on deal that involved their rivals.
Spurs are in desperate need for a striker after a run of no win win five matches following their 1-1 draw with Burnley yesterday.
It was clear Giroud and Michy Batshauyi were surplus to requirements but the injury to Abraham meant Lampard had to bring a striker in if one of those two were to exit Stamford Bridge.
Giroud told Telefoot: “The most interesting for me was Inter Milan.
“The problem was that it dragged on. .
“Lazio and Tottenham were there too, but I was blocked.”
“I knew I shouldn’t go on strike, or go to sulk in the locker room.
“Because it wasn’t me, and because I knew there was a good chance I would stay at Chelsea.”
Inter Milan were also keen on bringing Giroud to Italy to support Romelu Lukaku and Latauro Martinez but were unable to get a deal completed.
After returning to the starting line-up, Giroud is hoping to extend his stay at the club with his contract expiring in June.
Giroud has only made 11 appearances in all competitions and could complete a move away in the summer on a free transfer when his contract expires.
The striker is expected to start his fifth consecutive game in all competitions when they take on Everton this afternoon.
Lampard’s side can extend the gap to fifth placed Wolves to five points with a win over Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
Chelsea vs Everton: Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
