“Didn’t come” – Former PL star reveals he failed to convince Chelsea ace to leave the club last summer

Olivier Giroud refused to leave Chelsea for Bordeaux

According to France Football (h/t The Metro), Laurent Koscielny failed to convince Chelsea star Olivier Giroud to leave the club last summer.

Now at Ligue 1 side Bordeaux, Koscielny was keen to reunite with the striker in France. The duo were together during their time at Arsenal.

Thankfully, Giroud stayed put and is now spearheading our attack as Timo Werner continues to struggle. It is fair to say that despite his age, Giroud remains as dependable as ever.

“Olivier didn’t come and I totally respect his choice.”

Koscielny revealed that Giroud believes he can still cut it at the highest level and is eager to play for a Champions League club.

The striker has done just that this season. His four goals in the thrashing of Sevilla was a performance that rolled back the years. Giroud was once again on the scoresheet yesterday night in what was ultimately a losing effort against Wolves.

“He still wants to win and stay at the highest level.”

The 34-year-old also has his eye on representing France in next summer’s Euros and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Koscielny is keen to see his comaptriot make the most of his career.

“He wants to continue to play for the France national team in the Euros and maybe even go to the 2022 World Cup. If he still feels capable of doing it, letting him enjoy it as much as possible.”

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We are fortunate that Giroud chose to stay on at the Bridge. Timo Werner is still adjusting while Tammy Abraham has a long way to go.

Not many clubs have a better third-choice striker than Giroud at this moment. However, given his current form, he is bound to be more than just a mere backup for the Blues.