Olivier Giroud has warned Chelsea that he will leave in the January transfer window if he's not given more minutes in the coming months.
The Frenchman has fallen behind Tammy Abraham in the pecking order under Frank Lampard and has featured just five times for the Blues this season.
The 33-year-old recently declared that he 'doesn't accept' his back-up role at the club and could leave the Blues just like he did with Arsenal.
Giroud, who also struggled to command a regular starting berth last season, is determined to fight for a place in the side but admitted he will assess his situation once the window reopens in the new year.
Giroud said: 'I'm going to fight for my place at Chelsea and we will take stock of the situation in January.
'If you ask me whether I want to leave I'll say 'not necessarily' – but other things enter the equation. I cannot be happy with what I have at the moment. I am 33 but I still have several good years left in me.
'I still have the legs and a profile that I think will enable me to keep playing at the top level. I feel in good shape physically and I lead a healthy lifestyle. I want to enjoy myself and play matches.
'That could be for Chelsea – who are my first choice – or elsewhere. But if they force me to make a decision I will do it – just like when I left Arsenal.'
According to The Sun, Inter Milan are keeping tabs on the World Cup winner's situation and Antonio Conte may offer him a route out of west London should his situation not improve.
genuinen
1016
There is a love called to let go
9icekidsolomon
811
he is sending messages to Manchester united indirectly
mrheinekn
507
He already given this chance when morata left, but he did not used it well and force sarri to use hazard become false no 9.
bhavya18
496
giroud is a very good player and chelsea should understand his value. He has a very good eye for goal, has great headers and also provides defensive help. Giroud is one of the perfect no. 9s.
TaslimAlamat
442
Ya obviously Giroud 100% deserves a full time in Chelsea because he is a integral part of Chelsea and he is a very good player. So I think he should leave Chelsea 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌
FootballAddict
433
I dont understand why all these negative comments towards giroud here.come on man,he didnt say anythin direspectful at all. He said his first priority is to play for chelsea,and he will fight for his place. But if he cant be given more opportunity,which we would have to understand given abraham and batsman had been performing well,he will have to find for other options to keep himself playing regularly,by his own standards,he believed he isnt a sub-material yet,and he believed he could contribute to the team if given minutes,maybe for chelsea,but if chelsea dont play him,maybe he could offer his contribution to other team. Whats so wrong with that. Last season he had the chance and he was the main man for us to win the ueropa league. And he needs to keep playing for him to be able to still represent his national team,so nothin wrong with his desire to play and if chelsea cant give him time,he is right to go,no ill feeling or hate,respect the guy,he has been a really profesional player all these time with chelsea and even arsenal,he doesnt deserved insults or hate. I mean come on.
DjBM1
416
Sometimes it amazes me when I read from some of those funs who write search comments here , it obvious Giroud statement makes a lot of sense here .At least Lampard should recognize his efforts and grant him 20 to 15 minutes play time . The coach is creating problems for some of these big players. Why even giving free kicks to Mount why the likes of Williams and Pedro are playing with him . So pathetic
Ed_Justin
393
What's he saying.. Clearly Abraham has been delivering the goals Chelsea needs. As it is, you have to fight for your position in the club, whoever delivers earns more game time. Frank has shown to be flexible in his pickings and formations. So find an avenue to prove your point and earn your spot and not giving ultimatums. If you want Sarri is looking for old and about to retire players at Juventus. I guess your contract is less than 2 years so they can wait.
Matcinu
334
i understand Lamps has faith in youth and they have delivered so far but Giroud leaving now could be daming
redalotz
330
he is a good player yes am not refusing the fact. we the blues can only give you 10 minutes playing time . during champions League we can give him 20 minutes.
Adexcena
255
have always said it that Giroud has always been underrated, how many strikers I'm EPL has over 100goals in their career, yes he is slow & has no skills but give the man credits for both club & country, I understand Chelsea is crowded ryt now witth Abraham and the Bat being in magnificent form but this man ryt here is also in form, if he leaves to me he deserves respect cause his been patient, professional & humble...
Rucabdno
197
If players we needed most left the club, who is Giroud that he can hold the club at ransom? He isnt better than the likes of Hazard,Luiz etc that have left the club. He can too leave and we see which big club will take him as first choice striker in his current form!
Rucabdno
85
I think its time Giroud left the club. Time and chance is given to all. He had a fair share of time to prove himself. Now its time for others.