Olivier Giroud hints at Chelsea transfer exit despite signing new contract after admitting admiration for AC Milan

OLIVIER GIROUD has hinted he could yet join AC Milan this summer despite having his Chelsea contract extended for another season.

The French World Cup winner, 34, was set to become a free agent this summer as his deal neared its expiration date.

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And Giroud was widely tipped to agree a move to resurgent Serie A giants AC Milan.

However, Chelsea announced this week they had secretly triggered a clause to extend it for a further year.

That means Giroud will no longer be free to discuss a transfer to a new club this summer unless Chelsea receive an appropriate transfer bid.

Fans speculated Giroud may continue to play a role under Thomas Tuchel next term after helping Chelsea win the Champions League.

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However, the veteran appears to have left the door open to Milan by claiming it was Chelsea’s decision, and not his, to activate his contract extension.

Giroud went on to praise two of Milan’s legendary strikers before calling the Italians of the continent’s best sides.

Giroud said: “I want to make it clear that Chelsea reactivated the clause in April.

“And they recently announced it to comply with Premier League rules.

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“It’s fair to remember that I liked Marco van Basten and Andriy Shevchenko.

“Milan are a big club and one of the great teams in Europe.

“But today, I will not talk about my future at the club because I am focused on the France team and the Euros, which is fast approaching.”