Olivier Giroud targets further trophies after extending Chelsea stay
Olivier Giroud is targeting further success with Chelsea after extending his contract by another year.
The French World Cup winner, who was set to leave the club in January before staying on and reclaiming his place in the side after Tammy Abraham sustained an injury, saw a one-year extension option in his contract triggered last month and is now aiming for more silverware.
"I simply seized my opportunity and I repaid the faith that the manager had shown in me," Giroud told the club website.
"That’s why the club ultimately offered me the chance to continue my time at Chelsea and I accepted immediately because I like it here. I want to keep winning trophies and I want to continue to show the manager that he can count on me.
"Plus, with the whole coronavirus lockdown situation, I didn’t really feel comfortable with the idea of moving abroad and uprooting my family. I think a lot about our quality of life and we have a great setup here. I think a lot about my family now."
Giroud is back training at Cobham with his Chelsea team-mates as the Premier League gears up to return this month, though the protocols laid out by the Premier League to ensure the safety of players means there are increased concerns over muscle injuries with treatment time limited.
In Germany, where the Bundesliga returned last month, there has been a 250 per cent spike in muscle injuries sustained, according to research from sports scientist Dr Joel Mason.
"Compared to usual pre-seasons is that we only get 15 minutes of treatment after training," said Giroud. "Normally in pre-season, you’re very demanding with your muscles and use them a lot, especially when you haven’t been training for over two months.
"Muscles strain and creak but we respect the rules from the government and the Premier League. I’ll admit that if I could have more care and treatment to look after my body, it would be better."
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