KEY POINTS

  • Giroud narrates how he almost made the jump to Tottenham
  • Giroud ready to battle new players for Chelsea spots
  • Giroud best stay at Stamford Bridge says Lyon chief Rudi Garcia

Olivier Giroud ended up on the bench when Chelsea faced Brighton in the Premier League opening action. The Blues won 3-1 and pundits are now trying to add color to the whole thing. With new faces infused to the club, Giroud was speculated to be moving out.

On cue, several past events came to play when the 33-year-old shared how he almost bolted Stamford Bridge and join other clubs. One of them included Tottenham, a rival club of Chelsea last winter.

"During the last three days of the transfer window, I was in the coach's office to find a solution. I was hoping Chelsea would find a replacement for me," Giroud said to So Foot via Goal. "For my part, it was not the solutions that were lacking: I almost signed for Lazio, Inter… I was even so determined to leave that I even almost signed for Tottenham!"

Even at his age, Giroud has not fallen short of suitors. This is even though he seemed to have found a more regular role under the watch of Frank Lampard. During the second half of the Blues’ campaign, the French forward managed to score 10 goals in 25 appearances.

Being utilized well, it would seem uncanny to see him leave. But all this was before the entry of new names like Werner got in the picture. But as mentioned in a previous post, Giroud would rather fight for his spot and stressed that he and the German played differently.

"We want to be in the race for the title and I'm here. I finished the season well and I proved to the manager that he can count on me," Giroud said. "Werner is not the same profile as me, I hope to have some playing time."

Giroud is aware that there is (friendly) competition internally, something that would force all players to play their best once they are called to action. But in the end, a move out of Stamford Bridge is not completely out. There are teams interested in the French player, namely Marseille and Inter Milan.

But according to Lyon boss Rudi Garcia, Giroud is already in a good place. It would be risky to make a move out of Stamford Bridge, assuming the 33-year-old is entertaining offers from other clubs.

Olivier Giroud gave Chelsea the lead in Istanbul -- the Frenchman had also scored the opener in May's Europa League final against Arsenal
Olivier Giroud gave Chelsea the lead in Istanbul -- the Frenchman had also scored the opener in May's Europa League final against Arsenal AFP / OZAN KOSE