Olivier Giroud, the former French international, has opened up about a potential switch to Borussia Dortmund that never came to fruition in 2018. The move was thwarted by his wife’s adamant opposition.
At the time, Giroud found himself on the fringes at Arsenal and was desperate for a new club ahead of the World Cup in Russia. Dortmund were keen to bring him on board, but his wife wasn’t having any of it.
"Jen was pregnant; she gave birth on January 25, 2018. She said to me: 'If you make me move to another country, to Germany, and especially to Dortmund, I will kill you.'"
Ultimately, the French striker opted to join Chelsea for €17 million, keeping his family in London. This decision set off a chain reaction in the transfer market: Arsenal brought in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Dortmund, while the Germans secured Michy Batshuayi on loan.
Looking back, Giroud has no regrets. His time with the Blues saw him lift both the Champions League and Europa League titles.
"At that time, it was a natural step forward. Chelsea and Manchester City were the best clubs in both the Premier League and Europe. In the end, everything worked out well."
