Olivier Giroud isn’t too happy with the lack of playing time he’s getting at Arsenal this season.
The striker was initially dropped in favour of Alexis. However, Giroud has freely admitted that he wasn’t fully fit at the beginning of the season. He played in the Euro 2016 final and hardly got a break, it made sense.
Then, he injured his toe and that kept him sidelined for weeks.
The big guy made his return against Sunderland, netting two goals with two touches, which was incredible.
He went on the have two solid games against Reading and Ludogorets, which led him to believe he would get the nod against Spurs at the weekend.
He didn’t.
The thing is, he’s still coming back. Plus, Alexis is still doing really well so you can’t exactly make a case for dropping the Chilean.
Despite this, Giroud appears to have well and truly kicked off in the French press.
“The manager has said that he admires my strength of character,” Oli said to L’Equipe (via GFFN).
“I know that he supports me. But… this (lack of playing time) cannot go on for too long and cannot happen too often. It is beginning to wear off… Against Sunderland, I scored a brace on the first two balls that I touched. That does not happen to me everyday.
“I hoped to play against Tottenham because I was coming off the back of two good matches. I was a bit disappointed, but I am not the type of person to throw my toys out of the pram.”
He also pretty much said he’ll leave when his contract is up in 2018.
“I see my future at Arsenal until the date my contract ends.
“I feel good here and I want to play at the highest level for as long as possible.”
Hopefully, these quotes sound far more dramatic than they’re actually intended. Giroud loves a bit of drama so you never know. Although what I do know is that Arsene Wenger certainly doesn’t and I’m not sure how he’ll take being told off so publicly by one of his players. Especially a player who he’s defended tirelessly in the press.