Chelsea
have taken up an option to extend Olivier Giroud's contract, keeping the
France striker at Stamford Bridge until the end of the 2020-21 season.
Having been out of favour for much of the season, Giroud was close to
leaving Chelsea in the January transfer window, but remained at the club
with Frank Lampard unable to find a replacement forward.
An injury to Tammy Abraham then allowed the Frenchman a run in the first
team, during which he put in a series of impressive performances before the
season was halted by the coronavirus pandemic.
"I am delighted to continue my journey and adventure at Chelsea," Giroud
told the club's website.
"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."
Giroud was one of several senior Chelsea players whose contracts was set to
expire this summer. Earlier on Wednesday goalkeeper Willy Caballero's deal
was also extended by a year, but the futures of wingers Willian and Pedro
remain unclear.
The 33-year-old spent five-and-a-half seasons at Arsenal before joining
Chelsea in January 2018, and has gone on to score 21 goals in 76 appearances
for the west London club.
Despite having failed to hold down a regular starting role at Stamford
Bridge, Giroud has flourished for the French national team, playing a key
role as Didier Deschamps side won the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
"Since I have been back at Chelsea, Olivier has been brilliant as a
professional and as a man in general," Lampard said.
"He has great qualities to help the squad both on and off the pitch, not
only with his talent but with the example he sets every day and the
experience he brings to our young squad. I am very pleased that will
continue next season."
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