Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has shrugged off speculation linking him with a move to Marseille this summer, insisting he has no plans to return to France at the moment.
France international Giroud made the move to Stamford Bridge from Arsenal in January and managed to score three goals in 13 Premier League appearances.
The 31-year-old was a key member of Les Bleus’ 2018 World Cup-winning side in Russia and his workman-like performances in Didier Deschamps’ side earned him several plaudits.
However, with Antonio Conte being replaced as Chelsea boss by Maurizio Sarri this summer, there were doubts over Giroud’s long-term future with the former English champions.
It was claimed Marseille were lining up a bid for the striker and there were also rumours claiming two or three unnamed clubs were showing a keen interest in acquiring his services.
But Giroud, who spent two impressive seasons at Montpellier from 2010-2012, has handed Chelsea a big boost ahead of the new campaign after he rubbished reports linking him with an exit.
“Many things have been said in the last few days, but in the near future my objective is not to return to France,” he told Mundo Deportivo. “For now I am a Chelsea player.”
Chelsea start their league campaign away at Huddersfield on Saturday and the visitors are 1.60 favourites to leave the John Smith’s Stadium with all three points.
The draw is priced at 3.80, while the hosts are 6.00 outsiders. Sarri’s men have a big challenge on their hands this season if they want to be crowned league champions and the Blues are currently a 13.00 chance to achieve this feat.
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