CHELSEA star Olivier Giroud has revealed why he rejected signing a lucrative deal with Celtic ten years ago to stay in France.
The World Cup winner, 33, is set to remain in London next season after penning a new deal and is now just three caps short of a century of appearances for France.
But the former Arsenal ace admitted he came very close to signing for Celtic in 2010 when he decided to leave French second tier outfit Tours.
However, he chose to sign for Montpellier instead before leaving for the Gunners two years later.
Giroud said: “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.
“It would also have given me a springboard towards the English Premier League. Middlesbrough, in the Championship, were also interested.
“But I chose to sign for Montpellier for three reasons.”
Giroud explained: “I wanted to play in Ligue 1 before leaving France. I had never played a Ligue 1 match before signing for Montpellier.
“Secondly, my agents advised me to sign for Montpellier even though they would have made more money if I had signed for Celtic.
“Money has been important in my career, I am not playing football for glory, but it has never been my main aim and that’s also why I preferred to move to Montpellier.
“And thirdly, Montpellier’s late owner, Louis Nicollin, convinced me not to go to Scotland and so I signed for him instead.”
But Giroud’s game-time at Chelsea could take a serious hit next season after Frank Lampard splashed the cash on Timo Werner.
The Frenchman will now battle the £54million German as well as Tammy Abraham for a starting spot.
The Blues have also already signed Hakim Ziyech in a £37m deal to bolster their attacking ranks.
