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Arsene Wenger claims Olivier Giroud is an ‘Arsenal man’ at heart but needed to leave the club for Chelsea in order to boost his World Cup hopes.
Giroud quit the Emirates in January in an £18m deal after falling out of favour under Wenger.
The Frenchman, who scored over 100 career goals for Arsenal had been playing second fiddle to compatriot Alexandre Lacazette and following the arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Giroud was forced to seek first-team football elsewhere.
Wenger claims the 30-year-old is desperate to get into France’s World Cup squad and revealed the Frenchman didn’t actually want to leave Arsenal.
‘Olivier is an Arsenal man as well,’ said Wenger (the Star)
‘He left for similar reasons to Theo Walcott, by being sad to leave but also objective enough to analyse his situation.
Giroud is currently on international duty.
‘His professional career demanded that he moved, but his heart wanted him to stay.
‘Both Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud are similar cases on that front.’
Walcott left for Everton at the turn of the year and registered a couple of fine performances for Sam Allardyce’s side.
‘It was just because he wanted to play and wanted to give himself a chance because he didn’t get enough games here,’ continued Wenger
‘Today, people are informed and you don’t fool them. Theo is experienced, is a real Arsenal lover and is a guy who always respected the fans and the club.
‘It was completely justified and I’m very happy that he got a great reception.’
Arsenal will return to action on April 1, when they meet Stoke City at the Emirates for a Premier League clash.
