Experienced French striker Olivier Giroud has candidly discussed his motivations behind his high-profile transfer from Arsenal to Chelsea in January 2018. The 40-year-old forward admitted that changing clubs was a necessary move to secure regular playing time and guarantee his place in the French national team for the victorious 2018 World Cup.
Giroud is set to step onto the Emirates pitch once again this Tuesday as his current club, Lille, takes on the reigning Premier League champions in the Champions League group stage. During his time at Arsenal, the Frenchman made a significant impact, scoring 105 goals in 253 appearances under the legendary Arsene Wenger.
Reflecting on his years in North London, Giroud emphasised how much he developed as a player through rigorous daily training focused on honing technique, one-touch play, assisting teammates, and fulfilling his role as a physical presence in the opponent's box:
Back then, I had an excellent understanding with the lads on the pitch. It was classic Wenger football - fast, light, and fluid. The current squad play in a similar style, trying to maintain a high tempo in the final third.
I felt incredibly sad to leave the club, but I had to make this difficult choice. It was the hardest decision of my professional career, but it turned out to be absolutely necessary and fundamentally important for my future.
This bold move paid off as Giroud went on to become the main striker at Chelsea, eventually heading to the World Cup and lifting the coveted trophy with the French national team.
