Chelsea: Giroud will ‘get his opportunities’ says Lampard
Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud was a target for Inter Milan in the January window but a deal between the two teams never materialised and now a Blues insider has slammed Inter for changing their mind only a few days before transfer deadline day.
The 33-year-old striker is in the final year of his contract with Chelsea and boss Frank Lampard had revealed the club would consider selling Giroud if a replacement could be signed.
Giroud had been linked with several clubs in January, including Inter and Tottenham, but a Chelsea insider has been critical of how the Nerazzurri have conducted themselves.
“Inter's attitude towards Olivier Giroud has been very disrespectful,” a source inside Chelsea told French publication RMC Sport.
"We were made to wait and be kept in check by a player who has always had exemplary behaviour and who had given priority to Inter.”
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“He will go to the European Championship, I am sure, he is too important in the group.”
During the January window Giroud had been told by France’s national team manager Didier Deschamps that he should leave Stamford Bridge.
Deschamps insisted Giroud was “not happy with the little minutes” he was getting and said that leaving Chelsea would be the best move for the player and France.
Chelsea drew 2-2 with Leicester City on the weekend with Giroud not making Lampard's 18-man matchday squad.
Chelsea news: Olivier Giroud is in the final year of his contract with the Blues (Image: GETTY)
Although after the game Lampard insisted Giroud would still get a chance to play, provided he works hard in training.
“It was nothing to do with the frame of mind, no,” the Chelsea manager said.
“But he has had a few days where a lot of scrutiny has been on him and around him.
“I think it is was case of travelling without him. We will all go away for a week away from each other, it’s probably what’s needed for everyone and we will come back and work hard and Olivier is here.
“If he shows himself in training, because that is how I pick the team generally, then he will get his opportunities.”