Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has admitted that he almost left Stamford Bridge for Serie A during the transfer window.
The former Arsenal man has struggled for starts under Frank Lampard and was frequently linked with an exit from the capital in the summer months.
However, Giroud ultimately stayed put at Stamford Bridge - where he finds himself behind Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham in the pecking order - and the France international has refused to rule out a switch to the Italian top flight in the future.
Speaking to RMC Sport, Giroud said: "I've been close to moving to Serie A. They appreciated experienced players there, but the transfer didn't materialise.
"For the future we will see what happens. I will decide by evaluating the opportunities I will have. I'm not ruling out anything, but for now I don't see me returning to Ligue 1.
"I'd like to play at the highest level in Europe for another two or three years, then maybe I'll go to the United States."
Giroud has netted 29 goals in 91 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions since arriving in 2018, but the 34-year-old is now in the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Ben Knapton
