Giroud ‘very frustrated’ at Chelsea

Olivier Giroud has given a clear indication that he plans to leave Chelsea this summer.

The striker, 32, says he has “no clue” whether he will be staying at Stamford Bridge, where his contract expires at the end of the season.

Chelsea have an option enabling them to extend his contract by 12 months but World Cup winner Giroud is unhappy at having a bit-part role.

Speaking at a media conference on the eve of the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Slavia Prague, Giroud added that he wants his future to be resolved before the end of the season.

“Trust me I am very frustrated when I am not on the pitch but I don’t want to show it,” the France international said.

“You need to keep that frustration and transform it into positive energy. Trust me I’m not happy to play the second role.

“Next year I will need to have a more important role to play.”

Giroud has scored nine Europa League goals this season but has started just 13 Premier League matches for Chelsea since being signed from Arsenal in January last year.

“The most important thing for me is to be happy on the pitch, to enjoy the game and to have more minutes,” he said.

“I’m a competitor. I really want to play more. It’s not that I’m 32 and won the World Cup so am ready to retire and will be happy with second place.”