Olivier Giroud opens up to Arsenal fans about Chelsea move

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.