Celtic fans react as Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud admits he rejected Parkhead move

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Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has told 100% Paillade – as per GFFN – as saying he turned down a move to Scottish Premiership champions Celtic back in 2010 – and Celtic fans have reacted on Twitter to his comments.

Giroud’s £110,00-a-week (Spotrac) Chelsea contract expires this summer though some reports suggest he could remain at Stamford Bridge for the 2020-21 campaign. Certainly, the French ace is expected to stay until the end of the season.

Back in 2010, Giroud was a striker in demand having netted 21 goals in 38 Ligue 2 matches for Tours FC. Indeed, Celtic were said to be keen on signing the 2018 World Cup winner – however, Giroud chose a different path.

Giroud chose to join Montpellier and fulfill a lifelong dream that saw him play in France’s top tier, Ligue 1. Just two seasons later, and Giroud was part of the Montpellier side that surprisingly won Ligue 1.

However, it could have been very different. The 97-time France international recalls interest from both Celtic and English club Middlesbrough in the summer of 2010 – before choosing to join Montpellier.

“Yes, I had contact with Celtic in 2010. I could have played at one of the most magnificent atmospheres in the world at Celtic Park,” Giroud said. “It would also have given me a springboard towards England.

“Middlesbrough, in the Championship, were also interested. But I chose to sign for Montpellier. I wanted to play in Ligue 1 before leaving France. I had never played a Ligue 1 match before signing for Montpellier.”

Celtic fans have responded to the news that Giroud turned down a move to Celtic, and some have suggested that he should consider a move now at the age of 33 – with Odsonne Edouard being linked with the exit door.