Chelsea have confirmed they have exercised an option to extend striker Olivier Giroud's contract until the end of next season.
The Frenchman's deal was initially due to expire on June 30, with manager Frank Lampard indicating a willingness to keep him at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea had until June 23 to agree a short-term extension with Giroud lasting until the end of the current coronavirus-delayed campaign, but revealed on Wednesday that the decision to extend his agreement for a further year was taken last month.
He will now remain at the club until the end of the 2020-21 season.
"‘I am delighted to continue my journey and adventure at Chelsea. I can’t wait to get back to playing and enjoying competitive football with my team-mates," Giroud said.
"I’m looking forward to wearing the Chelsea shirt again, especially in front of our fans at a full Stamford Bridge, whenever it is safe to do so."
Giroud arrived at Chelsea from London rivals Arsenal for an £18million fee in January 2018 on an initial 18-month contract and has gone on to net 21 goals in 76 appearances for the club across all competitions, winning the FA Cup and Europa League.
However, the 33-year-old found regular first-team opportunities hard to come by under Frank Lampard in 2019-20 and almost left Chelsea in January amid interest from the likes of Tottenham, Newcastle, Inter Milan and Lazio, only for the club's failure to secure a replacement meaning he stayed put beyond the deadline.
An ankle injury suffered by first-choice forward Tammy Abraham then led to an uptick in opportunities for Giroud, who made six appearances in this calendar year before the season was suspended due to Covid-19, scoring in the Premier League wins over Tottenham and Everton.
Lampard has repeatedly praised the conduct and professionalism of the former Montpellier frontman, who was part of the France squad that won the World Cup in 2018.
"Since I have been back at Chelsea, Olivier has been brilliant as a professional and as a man in general," Lampard said after confirmation of Giroud's contract extension.
"He has great qualities to help the squad both on and off the pitch, not only with his talent but with the example he sets every day and the experience he brings to our young squad.
"I am very pleased that will continue next season."
Shortly before breaking news of Giroud's contract extension, Chelsea also confirmed that veteran goalkeeper Willy Caballero would be staying at the club until the end of the 2020-21 campaign.
However, they have yet to communicate any further agreements with remaining soon-to-be out-of-contract duo Pedro and Willian.
