Olivier Giroud Chelsea 2017-18Getty Images

Giroud vows Morata competition will not force him to seek Chelsea exit

Olivier Giroud is planning to “stick in there” at Chelsea, with there no plans on his part to push for a transfer despite slipping behind Alvaro Morata in the Blues pecking order.

The 2018-19 campaign is shaping up to be another which sees the World Cup-winning striker face a battle for regular playing time.

Giroud has been handed starts by Maurizio Sarri this term, but has seen Spanish team-mate Morata return to form over recent weeks to nail down the role of lone frontman.

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At 32 years of age, and with exit talk having first surfaced over the summer, it has been suggested that he may need a move in January, especially if he wants to stay in contention for the France national team.

Giroud is, however, adamant that he sees his future at Stamford Bridge, telling Telefoot of his current situation: “I came back late from the World Cup. Morata played.

“With the national team in September, a goal against the Netherlands did me good. After that, when I came back to Chelsea, I played several matches as a starter.

“Today, the coach has introduced healthy competition. Morata started again, he played well.

“It is true that we were having issues in the effectiveness department, he scored and things are going better.”

Olivier Giroud Chelsea 2018-19Getty Images

Giroud added on the transfer gossip: “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 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 expect me to give up.”

Giroud has made 12 appearances for Chelsea this season, but only four starts have come in the Premier League.

He has just one goal to his name so far, with his account for 2018-19 finally opened during a Europa League clash with BATE on November 8.

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