Olivier Giroud has acknowledged that he wanted to leave Chelsea for Inter Milan during the January transfer window.
Having only been regarded as third choice by Frank Lampard for the first half of the season, Giroud was expected to leave Stamford Bridge at the start of 2020.
However, despite the World Cup winner having less than six months left on his contract, the Blues opted to reject offers for the 33-year-old.
Although he has since made five successive starts for the West Londoners, Giroud has admitted that he wanted to secure a switch to San Siro, while also considering interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
Speaking to Telefoot, the Frenchman said: "I saw myself elsewhere after experiencing six complicated months. I did everything to leave - it's true.
"Inter was the priority, and there was also contact with Lazio and Tottenham. But circumstances meant that Chelsea blocked it. It was not my choice."
On Sunday afternoon, Giroud got on the scoresheet as Chelsea recorded a 4-0 triumph over Everton in the Premier League.
Darren Plant
