Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has said Olivier Giroud is an “Arsenal man” at heart but had to leave the club for Chelsea in order to boost his World Cup hopes.
Giroud swapped the Emirates for Stamford Bridge in January in a deal worth £18m after five-and-half-years in north London.
The Frenchmen was stuck behind Alexandre Lacazette in the pecking order and Pierre-Emerick Aubamaeyang’s arrival meant he would struggle further for game time.
Wenger said the 30-year-old is desperate to get into France World Cup squad, adding he didn’t actually want to leave Arsenal.
Giroud spent five and half seasons at Arsenal.
Wenger said, “Olivier is an Arsenal man as well.
“He left for similar reasons to Theo Walcott, by being sad to leave but also objective enough to analyse his situation.
“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.”
“It was just because he wanted to play and wanted to give himself a chance because he didn’t get enough games here.
“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.”
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