Family guy Giroud seals Chelsea deal
OLIVIER GIROUD has signed a new oneyear contract at Chelsea ahead of next week’s Europa League final.
The France striker was out of contract this summer, 18 months after his arrival from Arsenal, and had been linked with a return to his homeland as he struggled for regular playing time under Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge.
But with the Blues facing a transfer ban for the next two windows, subject to an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, they were keen to keep a reliable performer in an area of the pitch where they lack depth.
‘I am very happy to sign a new contract,’ Giroud said. ‘I really wanted to stay at least one more year – I have felt a part of the team, the family, since the beginning and hopefully there will be more trophies to come.’
The 32-year-old (right) has scored 17 goals in 62 appearances for the club, ■ PETR CECH will reportedly return to Chelsea as sporting director this summer. The goalkeeper, 37, will retire from the playing side of the game following next week’s Europa League final between Arsenal and Chelsea. A place on the backroom staff at Stamford Bridge then beckons.
ten of them in this season’s Europa League as they marched to next Wednesday’s final against the Gunners in Baku. The former Montpellier forward helped Chelsea to FA Cup glory in his first season before going on to lift the World Cup with France later that summer.
But although Chelsea have been unsettled in attack this season, sending Alvaro Morata on loan to Atletico Madrid in January and bringing in Gonzalo Higuain from Juve, Giroud has remained a back-up. Only seven of his 27 Premier League appearances were starts, with most of his playing time coming in Europe, where he started 11 games.