Chelsea have exercised an option in Olivier Giroud’s contract, keeping him at Stamford Bridge for the 2020-21 season.
An option to extend the striker’s contract by a year was taken last month, ensuring his two-and-a-half-year stay at Stamford Bridge which was due to end at the conclusion of the current campaign will continue.
Prior to the pause in the season due to the pandemic, Giroud had again emphasised his importance to the squad by taking on the responsibility of leading the attack with Tammy Abraham injured, and making a significant contribution, not least when he expertly found the net to open the scoring in a win against Tottenham in February, and helped to knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup the following month.
Indeed it was the 33-year old who scored the last goal for Chelsea before the current hiatus, in a 4-0 home win over Everton (celebrated top).
On the fact he will remain a Chelsea player beyond 2019/20, 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.’
Director Marina Granovskaia added: ‘It is clear to the club that Olivier continues to be a player we want in the squad, especially as we maintain the important balance between top-quality experience and the exciting young talent we have available, and his attitude when asked to play a supporting role has been exemplary. He is a proven trophy winner who we hope can help our new generation to become that too.’
Frank Lampard said: ‘Since I have been back at Chelsea, Olivier has been brilliant as a professional and as a man in general.
‘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.’
