Giroud Prolongs Chelsea Stay With New One-year Deal

By Max Wise

Olivier Giroud has signed a new one-year contract extension with Chelsea to prolong his stay at Stamford Bridge until the end of the 2019/2020 season.

Giroud joined Chelsea from Arsenal in January 2018 on an 18-month contract which was set to expire in a few weeks time but the Frenchman will now stay in London for one more year.

Giroud has been an integral member of Maurizio Sarri’s side in the Europa League this season, scoring 10 goals en route to the final in Baku against Arsenal later this month, but his limited game time in the Premier League led to rumors that he was seeking a way out of the club.

The 32-year-old French World Cup winner will however remain at the Bridge for now, as he hopes to win a second trophy with Chelsea on May 29 after last season’s FA Cup triumph against Manchester United at Wembley.

"I am very happy to sign a new contract. I really wanted to stay at least one more year," Giroud said after inking his new deal.

"I have felt a part of the team, the family, since the beginning and hopefully there will be more trophies to come."

Giroud has scored 17 goals in 62 appearances since joining Chelsea from their London rivals.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: ‘We are very pleased that Olivier will be a Chelsea player for another season. Since joining us 18 months ago, he has at times had to be patient and wait for opportunities, but has still been able to make a positive contribution to the team.

‘Whether it is his unselfish link-up play or his 10 Europa League goals this season, he has been a crucial member of the squad and we hope he will be able to pick up a second Chelsea winner’s medal in Baku later this month to accompany last season’s FA Cup win.’