Chelsea’s Giroud sets the record straight on Marseille link

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has told French publication L’Equipe that Marseille’s interest in him during the summer was exaggerated.

Reports suggested Blues boss Maurizio Sarri was prepared to sell Giroud just six months after the player’s arrival from Arsenal and that Marseille were poised to snap him up.

But France international Giroud explained that Marseille did show an interest in him prior to his move to Stamford Bridge and did not make a firm move for him during the summer despite making an enquiry.

Giroud said: “For me, Chelsea is the top club in England, the one that has won the most titles over the last 10 years. I am where I wanted to be. So why leave?

“There was contact [from Marseille] last year, but nothing really concrete this summer. It did not go as far as was claimed.

“I had just arrived at Chelsea, it was not the time to pack my bags again three months later.”