Chelsea have explained the rationale behind their decision to renew Olivier Giroud’s contract by one year.

The Frenchman was poised to leave the club at the end of this season, but a one-year extension was exercised back in April, meaning he will stay at the club for another year.

Giroud’s current deal was due to expire at the end of this campaign but an extension means the 34-year-old’s three-and-a-half-year stay in west London continues for another year.

According to Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia, “Olivier has been such a crucial part of so many big moments for this club, from his contribution to our FA Cup victory in 2018 to scoring 11 goals on the way to winning the Europa League in 2019.

“He has continued to score significant goals, and we will never forget his effort against Atletico Madrid on the way to winning the Champions League this season.

“With so much to still to play for, there was only one decision we could make when we exercised the option to extend his contract back in April.”