Olivier Giroud thinks Chelsea are the top club in England, despite spending over five years with Arsenal, according to recent quotes reported in France.
Giroud moved to Chelsea in the January transfer window, as Arsenal looked to secure the acquisition of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Just a few months later though, the media were already linking the striker with a return to France.
Marseille, in particular, were touted as a possible destination, after their interest in 2017. Whilst Giroud admitted the Ligue 1 club have been in touch in the past, he denied there was any serious possibility of a move this summer, arguing that he’s happy to be at the top club in England.
“It did not go as far as we could say,” he began. “There was really a contact [from Marseille] last year, but nothing really concrete this summer.
“I had just arrived at Chelsea, it was not the time to pack my bags again three months later. For me, Chelsea is the top club in England, the one that has won the most titles over the last ten years. I am where I wanted to be. So why leave?”
The comments are unlikely to impress too many Arsenal fans. Giroud spent a number of years as the club’s first choice striker, winning more silverware than with every other club he’s played for combined. It was a shame to see him leave, but you’d at least hope to see him putting the two clubs on equal footing.
Perhaps Giroud realises there’s no benefit to continuing to pander to Arsenal fans. He needs to win the support of the Chelsea faithful and this is a great way to go about doing so. Hopefully, Arsenal can prove him wrong on the pitch this season.