Olivier Giroud on his desire to leave Chelsea

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud said he did everything he can to leave Stamford Bridge in January transfer window, but quickly moved on from the disappointment of not being able to leave the Blues.

The 33-year-old Frenchman struggled for play – time and that is the main reason why he wanted to leave Chelsea.

Giroud said that he was desperate to move from Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea could not afford to lose him as they did not have a replacement for the striker.

The Frenchman opened up for Telefoot about his desires.

"To be honest, I saw myself playing elsewhere," said Giroud.

"I had six tough months, which is why I wanted a change of scene to get back to playing and enjoying myself on the pitch, so I tried to leave in January.

"I did everything I could, but Chelsea didn't want to let me leave because the condition in place was that they had to bring in a replacement. On 31 January, I still hoped that I would leave. I was very disappointed, but I'd say that by the following morning, I'd put that behind me.

Number of European clubs were interested in Olivier Giroud. Inter Milan, Lazio and even Chelsea's Premier League rivals Tottenham wanted to sign with the player as he is a great striker.

“I'd spoken to (Antonio) Conte on the phone and he knew me from his time at Chelsea, having been the coach that brought me here. He liked my profile as a player, so that was an advantage.

"I went to see Frank Lampard in his office on the three or four final days of the transfer window every morning to try to find a solution.

“In the end, Lampard needed me."

The 33-year-old Frenchman struggled for play – time as he played only 9 games for the Blues and found the net just two times this season.