French striker Olivier Giroud won’t be leaving Stamford Bridge just yet. Despite being one step away from leaving Chelsea in January, Giroud now signed a contract extension, which will keep him with the club through the 2020/21 season. London club also handed out a new deal to backup goalkeeper Willy Caballero.
Giroud was linked with a move since mid-2019, being close to changing clubs on several occasions. However, after all of the proposed moves fell through, the 33-year-old marksman decided to give his all with Chelsea and it obviously paid off.
“Since I’ve been back at Chelsea, Olivier has been brilliant as a professional and as a man in general,” said Chelsea’s manager Frank Lampard in a statement. “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.”
Olivier Giroud joined Chelsea in 2018 after spending the previous six years with their cross-town rival Arsenal. During his time with Chelsea, Giroud played 76 games and scored 21 goals. This season he made 13 appearances in all competitions and scored three goals.
Caballero will also remain with Chelsea until 2021, having arrived in London from Manchester City in 2017. He made nine appearances this season.
”I trust in Willy, he trains brilliantly and is a great professional,” Lampard added. “He stepped into the team earlier this year and showed his quality, and his experience is invaluable in the dressing room.”
