Olivier Giroud has explained why he switched from Arsenal to Chelsea in January 2018 – because he knew it would ensure his place in France’s World Cup-winning side.
Giroud moved to Arsenal in 2012, having led Montpellier to the Ligue 1 crown. He scored 105 goals in 253 for the Gunners before making the switch to Stamford Bridge.
Looking ahead to the tough choice facing Lille’s Champions League return against Arsenal, the 40-year-old said he was disappointed to leave but chose his international career first.
“Because I had to leave the club in order to participate in the 2018 World Cup, and we know the rest of the story,” Giroud said.
“I really enjoyed being part of the club, and I loved being around the club, but I had to make that decision and that was a difficult decision in my career but I had to do it.”
The striker’s gamble paid off as he was an integral part of France’s success at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Giroud then played 119 matches with Chelsea, netting 39 goals, before going on to play for the likes of AC Milan and Los Angeles FC to finish at Lille.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who was a teammate of Giroud’s at North London, was full of praise for the striker and his attributes and attitude.
“I think a striker who is inside the box every time you have him on the pitch is a huge threat,” Arteta said.
“Very skilled player. Great at communicating with his teammates as well, and his work rate is incredible so definitely not [underrated] from our side.”
Giroud gets his chance to play against his old club when Arsenal host Lille in the Champions League.
