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Former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud says he could have spent more time at Arsenal.
The Frenchman quit the Emirates in January to sign for Antonio Conte’s Chelsea to end a five-and-a-half year stint for the Gunners.
Giroud, who scored over 100 goals for the club had fallen down the pecking order in Arsene Wenger’s first-team following the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette.
Lacazette was soon to be accompanied by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. It prompted to Giroud find a new club, understanding that a mid-season exit would be his best opportunity for regular football ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
“It was frustrating at Arsenal obviously,” Giroud told France Football. “For a year and a half, it went from bad to worse. I could no longer continue like that.
“I could not bring myself to spend another year at Arsenal and remain a reserve, even a second reserve. The future looked gloomy with the arrival of a new striker.”
The Chelsea striker has made a steady start to life in west London. He opened his account for the Blues in a FA Cup 5th round tie against Hull last week and produced a silky assist for Eden Hazard in Chelsea’s 3-0 Premier League win over West Brom.
