Olivier Giroud has revealed that he was close to leaving Arsenal this summer, only to make a U-turn on the decision after reflecting on things.
Arsenal signing Alexandre Lacazette for a club record fee this summer, after Giroud had already spent a large part of the last year on the bench for Alexis Sanchez, could easily have convinced him to leave in the summer. The striker admits that this was a possibility, but says that decision to stay was his in the end.
Giroud: "It is true I was close to leaving as I wanted to play but after big reflection I wanted to stay. The story was not over at #AFC"
— Mark Mann-Bryans (@MarkyMBryans) September 13, 2017
"As I said to the boss, our story is not finished, and everyone was pleased with that." #AFC
— Mark Mann-Bryans (@MarkyMBryans) September 13, 2017
It’s good to hear that Giroud made the decision himself, rather than being forced to stay by the club or by a lack of interest in him. Hopefully it means the 30-year-old is motivated to try and help the club to be successful. It certainly seemed like it in his press conference, as he talked about trying to win the Europa League.
Giroud: "We are very focused on the Europa League. We want to go and win it."
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) September 13, 2017
Giroud is now just one goal away from 100 in all competitions for the Gunners. Now starting his sixth season with Arsenal, the French international has turned out to be a bit of a bargain by today’s standards, costing a little over £10m.
He scored some key goals for the Gunners last season, with five goals that actually won the game for Arsenal, as well as a few key equalisers such as against Manchester United and Bournemouth late on.
Wenger should be happy he doesn’t have to lose that for the current campaign, I feel.