Olivier Giroud believes he can continue to have an impact at the highest level “for a couple years at least” amid reports Real Madrid are interested in the Chelsea striker.
The 34-year-old joined the Blues from Arsenal in January 2018 and has proven himself an influential figure under Antonio Conte, Maurizio Sarri, and now Frank Lampard.
This term, despite having only started six games in all competitions, Giroud is Chelsea’s joint top scorer with nine goals.
He has found the net every 69 minutes and appears to only be improving with age. Yet his future is uncertain.
Giroud’s contract at Stamford Bridge runs until the end of the current campaign. And while he has confirmed there is a one-year option to extend it, there is interest in the World Cup winner from clubs on the continent.
Inter Milan, managed by Conte, have been linked with Giroud for more than a year. Juventus, meanwhile, are also potential suitors. And now, according to Spanish publication AS, Real Madrid are considering a move.
The La Liga giants are on the hunt for a new frontman to support Karim Benzema having allowed Luka Jovic, once a Chelsea target, to return to former club Eintracht Frankfurt on loan.
And with Frenchman, as things stand, a free agent in six months' time, Real believe they can strike a deal with Chelsea this month.
Giroud’s future has been a constant source of speculation throughout his time at Chelsea. But it’s never impacted his performances or – as Lampard has mentioned on countless occasions – his conduct off the pitch.
And speaking to the Chelsea Mike’d Up Podcast, Giroud discussed how he’s been able to improve with age and what his ambitions are for the twilight of his career.
“It’s about your motivation, what you put into your training to always stay fit, looking after your sleep, what you eat, always wanting to help the team reach the target,” he said.
“I have no doubts [about scoring goals]. Obviously, you have some periods when you score more or less but the main thing is to keep the confidence high. When you are in a difficult moment, just keep working hard in training because you don’t lose your qualities.”
Giroud continued: “Nothing gets given. In life you always have to go for wins and trophies. Football is an everlasting new beginning, that is one of my favourite best sentences. You always have to go again week after week.
“I’m still very hungry. I think I can still play at the highest level for a couple years at least and I have big expectations about what we can achieve with Chelsea and the national team.
“I believe it’s the same for these players who are 34, 35, 36, 38. Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] thought he still could bring something to European football and he’s shown it since the beginning of the season.
“I feel ready and have more determination than before. Obviously, when I am on the pitch I try to be efficient and it’s working well. I am on a good run and I want to keep it up.”
