Giroud Won’t Take Pity On Blues As France Return Beckons

Olivier Giroud says he won’t stay at Chelsea out of pity because of the club’s transfer ban as he eyes a move back to France. The former Arsenal forward has spoken about a desire to move on because of his frustrations over a lack of playing time this season – particularly in the Premier League.

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The Sun claim a move back to Ligue 1 – where he won the title with Montpellier in 2012 – could be on the cards with Lyon among the teams sniffing around. Chelsea can still sell players this summer even if they can’t sign replacements after a Fifa ban, but Giroud says the club’s predicament won’t factor into his decision when the summer transfer window opens.

“We will see what the future has in store for me,” he told TF1. “The club can’t sign players. “I aspire for more playing time and an important role in a team.” Giroud’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign but Chelsea hold the option to automatically extend the ex-Arsenal star’s deal by a further 12 months.