Sports · Football · 3 hrs ago
Giroud says leaving Arsenal was necessary to make France’s 2018 World Cup squad
Olivier Giroud is set to face his former club Arsenal when Lille visit the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Giroud left Arsenal for Chelsea in January 2018.
He says the move was necessary to get enough playing time to make France’s squad for the 2018 World Cup.
He was sad to leave, but said the decision was important for his career.
Giroud scored 105 goals in 253 appearances for Arsenal under manager Arsene Wenger.
He says training at Arsenal helped improve his technique and his ability to link up with teammates.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who played alongside him, praised Giroud’s threat in the box, teamwork and work rate.
The teams are due to meet on Tuesday, with Giroud facing his former club in the Champions League.
Olivier Giroud said he had to leave Arsenal for Chelsea in January 2018 to secure a place in France’s World Cup squad.
He described the decision as difficult and said he was sad to leave Arsenal.
Giroud is due to return to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium with Lille for a Champions League match.
He also praised the training and style of play he experienced under Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Giroud’s threat, link-up play and work rate.
- Who
- Olivier Giroud, Lille forward and former Arsenal player.
- What
- Giroud said leaving Arsenal for Chelsea was necessary to play in the 2018 World Cup.
- When
- He left Arsenal in January 2018; the Lille-Arsenal match is scheduled for Tuesday evening.
- Where
- The Champions League match is at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in north London.
- Why
- Giroud said he needed to leave Arsenal to play in the 2018 World Cup.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Giroud left Arsenal for Chelsea.
Giroud said the move was necessary to secure his place in France’s squad.
Lille are scheduled to visit Arsenal for a Champions League match.
- Player
- Olivier Giroud
- Arsenal appearances
- 253
- Arsenal goals
- 105
- Transfer
- Giroud left Arsenal for Chelsea in January 2018
- Upcoming match
- Lille at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in the Champions League
What people are saying
I had to leave the club in order to play the 2018 World Cup and we know the end of the story.
I was really sad to leave the club but I had to make that choice and that was a tough one in my career but it was necessary and important for the rest of my career.
Every time you had him on the pitch, you had a massive threat inside the box.
Sources
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