Olivier Giroud says he will not give up on playing regularly again for Chelsea, despite a frustrating start to the season.
The Frenchman has found himself playing second fiddle to Alvaro Morata under Maurizio Sarri, making 12 appearances and scoring just once.
There have been constant rumours linking Giroud with a January exit from Stamford Bridge, with a return to France mooted.
Speaking to Telefoot, the 32-year-old vowed to fight for his place, however:
Would I have to consider a departure to keep my place in the national team? I feel like it is as if we are where we were several months ago when I was being asked the same questions before the World Cup.
Today, I am calm, happy with this World Cup title. I relativise a lot of things. I don’t need to put myself under more pressure than that.
Of course, I am a competitor and I would like more playing time. But I am in a very big club, with very big players.
I am going to fight and for the moment, it is not a question about seeking a departure. I am going to stick in there and do not count on me to give up.
Giroud will hope to play a prominent role in Chelsea’s next game, as the west Londoners travel to Tottenham on Saturday for a crucial Premier League clash.
Morata’s form has been largely criticised, so the former Arsenal man will believe he can win his place back.
