Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has revealed his “priority” was to join Inter in January and that Lazio “tried absolutely everything, even coming to London.”
Giroud seemed to be all set for a move to Serie A two months ago, with Inter and Lazio both keen, but Chelsea failed to bring in a replacement and he ended up staying at Stamford Bridge.
“In January, I saw myself far away from Chelsea,” the 33-year-old told Telefoot.
Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has revealed his “priority” was to join Inter in January and that Lazio “tried absolutely everything, even coming to London.”
Giroud seemed to be all set for a move to Serie A two months ago, with Inter and Lazio both keen, but Chelsea failed to bring in a replacement and he ended up staying at Stamford Bridge.
“In January, I saw myself far away from Chelsea,” the 33-year-old told Telefoot.
“I saw six complicated months ahead of me. That’s why I had the desire to change scenery.
“I tried to leave in January. It was all done, but in the end Chelsea didn’t want to let me go.
“I could only leave on the condition they found a replacement. I still hoped to leave on January 31.
“Everyone knows that Inter’s sporting project was the most interesting for me. Them aside, Lazio and Tottenham also looked at me.
“At one point, it was a question of where I wanted to play. I talked to Conte on the phone, he’s known me from when he took me to Chelsea: that was an advantage for me.
“In addition, Inter play in the Champions League. They’re a great club. Lazio, for their part, tried absolutely everything, even coming to London to try something, but the deal was blocked.”
“I also talked on the phone to Lyon’s President, who expressed an interest in me, but I told him that my priority was going to Inter.
With his contract due to expire this summer but the season still postponed, the Frenchman confessed to being in the dark about his future.
“Who knows…”