Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has reflected on his decision to leave Arsenal.
Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has told Le Pelerin that ‘it was not easy’ to leave Arsenal for the Blues in January 2018, as he loved the club.
Giroud, now 31, scored the winner for France in their 1-0 win at Iceland on Friday night, converting a penalty to hand Didier Deschamps a narrow victory.
He may not be playing much for Chelsea, but Giroud remains a key part of the French national team, just as he was in their World Cup-winning campaign last year.
Giroud has played just three Premier League games for a total of 101 minutes this season, slipping behind Tammy Abraham in the pecking order whilst having to contend with Michy Batshuayi too.
His role under Frank Lampard is a limited one right now, and it may leave some wondering whether he could leave in January to pursue first-team football elsewhere.
January will mark two years since Giroud chose to leave Arsenal for London rivals Chelsea, having spent almost six years with the Gunners.
Now, Giroud has admitted – as quoted by the Daily Mail – has suggested that it wasn’t easy to quit Arsenal, as he loved the Gunners, but felt that Chelsea was a step up.
Giroud has added that he doesn’t accept his role at Chelsea right now, vowing not to criticise Lampard even if he disagrees with his decision to leave him out.
“Accept it? No. I do not accept it,” said Giroud. “You do not have to be fatalistic in certain situations. I have always been respectful and humble. Even if I do not agree with the coach, I do not criticise him. But in myself, I cannot accept it because I know what I’m worth on a pitch. Last year, when I felt I deserved to play, I asked the coach for explanations.”
“It was not easy to leave Arsenal for Chelsea two years ago. I loved Arsenal. But it was a progression because Chelsea is the English club that has won the most titles, with Man City, in ten years,” he added.
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