Giroud: Coronavirus pandemic influenced decision to stay at Chelsea

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Olivier Giroud admitted Tuesday the coronavirus pandemic played a role in his decision to sign up for another season at Chelsea.

The 33-year-old agreed to stay at the club after it exercised an option to extend his deal until June 2021.

Giroud said he was close to leaving Chelsea in January due to a lack of playing time. Inter Milan were reportedly interested in signing the Frenchman on a permanent basis.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard vetoed a transfer because the club was unable to secure a replacement.

Tammy Abraham's ankle injury and Michy Batshuayi's poor form ultimately forced Lampard to give Giroud another shot.

"I simply seized my opportunity and I repaid the faith that the manager had shown in me," Giroud told the club's 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."

In January, Lampard praised Giroud's professionalism, saying he was "impeccable" during a period of such uncertainty.

Giroud scored twice after the transfer window closed, including the opening goal in Chelsea's eventual 2-1 win over Tottenham in February.