Date: 21st February 2018 at 11:23am
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Olivier Giroud was right to leave Arsenal for Chelsea in January.

That’s the view of France coach Didier Deschamps who told SFR Sport that the move is “better for him.”

Giroud quit the Emirates last month in pursuit of regular football. The World Cup in Russia is on the horizon and the Frenchman had fallen down the pecking order behind compatriot Alexandre Lacazette.

The 31 year-old’s became aware his options would have been further limited upon the arrival of club-record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and decided to make a quick exit.

“I’m happy for him,” said Deschamps, who spoke to Giroud about his choice. “I’m not here to give advice. I’m here so that he is aware of the reality, to tell him things. After that, it’s his decision. I’m not going to tell him to go here rather than there. It’s up to him.”

Giroud scored 105 goals for Arsenal

The former Gunner was an unused substitute for Chelsea’s Champions League last 16 clash with Barcelona on Tuesday night. The team’s drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge to set up a tantalising second-leg.

Despite not playing, Deschamps is confident he will get more opportunities to shine at Stamford Bridge than he would have had at the Emirates Stadium.

“He’s had back-to-back starts, something that’s not happened to him in a long time,” Deschamps said.

“He’s winning games, because he makes others score and scores himself. It’s a lot better to play a match from time-to-time than come off the bench, even if when he comes on, he’s also effective. He scores a lot of goals and he makes others score. It’s better for him.”

 

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