Olivier Giroud says that his ‘heart and soul’ told him to stay with the Gunners despite increased competition for places.
With Alexandre Lacazette’s arrival this summer for a club record fee, it was easy to see why Olivier Giroud may have felt that his place in the side was under threat. This was especially true considering that Giroud’s place had already been threatened last season by the emergence of Alexis Sanchez as the Gunners’ primary striking option.
Arsène Wenger recently revealed that Giroud had the door opened for him to leave as the Gunners have so many attacking options and he felt it was unfair to force Olivier to stay. The French international himself also said in pre-season interviews that leaving was a possibility.
However, Arsène was very happy to hear that Giroud had made the decision to stay with the club this year, and has confirmed that the Gunners’ striker certainly won’t be moving this window. The striker has now revealed the reasons behind his choice, in quotes reported by the Daily Mail.
Olivier said on Friday: “To be honest, there was something in my soul and in my heart which told me to stay. I have been hesitating because I am the most happy man when I play and I am on the pitch. I keep the faith and I still believe I can have an important part to play this season in the club.
“I feel good in my head and also physically. So I am 100 per cent focused on the club project.”
Arsenal fans will be glad that Giroud has decided to stay, especially after he helped the club to victory in the opening game of the Premier League season against Leicester. Despite scoring two goals, the Gunners were behind when Arsène decided to bring the Frenchman on for Rob Holding, in an effort to save the game.
It worked, as Giroud headed in a difficult chance in the 84th minute to win the game, and raced over to celebrate the goal with the fans. If Lacazette and Giroud can both stay happy, fit and scoring, and Arsenal don’t concede three goals every game, the team could have a good chance at success this season.