When Olivier Giroud left the pitch for Chelsea against Tottenham, having scored a crucial goal for the home side in a 2-1 win, Stamford Bridge gave him something of an ovation.
It was thanks for his good performance against the Blues’ London rivals, but also some recognition for how the Frenchman has forced his way back into Frank Lampard’s plans, having been tipped to leave during the January transfer window.
The transfer situation was covered repeatedly by L’Equipe during January, and for much of the month they expected a move to Inter Milan. However, in Italy it was being made clear that Inter interest was fading, and that later led to French claims of Giroud being treated poorly.
Following the close of the window, and having been given a week off by Chelsea, the 33 year old went for a break in the French Alps, where he visited family.
His brother Romain has now spoken to L’Equipe about what happened with the winter market: “It did him good, he needed it after the stress of the transfer window. He was disappointed because he expected to leave, but also relieved because his transfer window was made of uncertainties.
“When the cleaver fell, it shook the cards. There, he knew why he was fighting: finding playing time, seducing Lampard and defending his chances of playing the Euros. Beyond these prospects, there is also the fact of being free at the end of the season and the possibility of offering a last big challenge. Things were fixed. He could work in this 
direction and put his energy where it was needed.”
Romain is once again proud of how his brother reacted, and Giroud’s chances of making Euro 2020 have been given a boost by the performance against Tottenham.
Indeed, it led to some jokes in France on Monday that just that performance and goal could give Deschamps an excuse to pick his much favoured for the Euros… in 2036.
