According to an official statement from Chelsea FC, Frank Lampard’s side have announced that they have triggered a one-year contract extension for French striker Olivier Giroud, in a deal that would see him remain at Stamford Bridge until the end of the 2020/21 league campaign. It has been clarified that the former Arsenal man’s two and a half year stay at Chelsea was to come to an end this season, but that the extension will ensure it carries on for another one. Lampard also expressed his pleasure with the striker extending his deal.
The World Cup-winning forward expressed his happiness after penning a contract extension with the club that has brought him so much success over such a short time. Giroud said, “I am delighted to continue my journey and adventure at Chelsea. I can’t wait to get back to playing and enjoying competitive football with my team-mates. I’m looking forward to wearing the Chelsea shirt again, especially in front of our fans at a full Stamford Bridge, whenever it is safe to do so.”
Olivier Giroud Signs One Year Chelsea Extension: How Did He Do This Season?
The Frenchman started the campaign at the absolute bottom of the Blues’ striking pecking order, and although Lampard’s tendency to prefer youth would’ve come as bad news, the Frenchman kept at it in training. Soon enough, though, his opportunity arrived, as Lampard had run out of alternate options. Tammy Abraham picked up an unfortunate injury around the midway point of the season, which forced Michy Batshuayi into the side.
Although the Belgian was preferred over Giroud, his poor displays leading the line left the gaffer with no option but to opt for Giroud towards the latter part of the campaign. This move didn’t necessarily fill even the most optimistic of Chelsea fans with confidence, but as it turned out, the Frenchman’s physical prowess and sheer experience mad him a decent success. Miles beyond Batshuayi in terms of quality, the Frenchman showed his worth in the final few matches of the season.
Olivier Giroud Signs One Year Chelsea Extension: What Should The Fans Expect From Him Next Season?
The former Arsenal striker has always been known for his heading ability and physical attributes. Not the easiest man to tackle the ball off, the Frenchman displays good control as well as composure when in possession. Capable of holding up the play and bringing the other attackers into the game effectively, it was Giroud who scored the Blues’ final goal before the league campaign was brought to a halt by the COVID-19 situation.
Tammy Abraham is expected to remain ahead of Giroud in the pecking order, but there’s every chance that Lampard will treat the veteran striker with a lot more respect this time around. European and cup fixtures could become the former Montpellier man’s forte, with Abraham expected to retain his place for the league fixtures. The addition of a new striker though could complicate things quite a bit, and in such a case it would be entirely up to Frank Lampard what happens. One thing that can be said for sure is that Giroud still has a lot to offer, and this one-year extension is indeed good news for the Blues fans.
