‘He’s capable of everything’: Pochettino says at Tottenham he ‘hated’ £18m man Arsenal sold

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Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that when he was at Tottenham, he ‘hated’ Olivier Giroud, then of Arsenal, because the France striker was ‘capable of everything’, as he told Match of the Day.

The former Tottenham boss added that Giroud is a player who is a ‘killer’ inside the box and someone who is also ‘clever’ with his movement.

Four years after leaving Arsenal in 2018 for £18 million (Sky Sports), life has gone up, up and up for Giroud.

Added to winning the World Cup in 2018, he has also added the Europa League to his name at Chelsea, as well as the Serie A title with AC Milan last season.

And now he is France’s all-time top-scorer with 52 goals, after breaking Thierry Henry’s record at the Qatar World Cup.

What a stage for the Frenchman to write his name into his nation’s history books, as former Tottenham duo, Gary Lineker and Mauricio Pochettino applauded him.

“A word on Olivier Giroud, 52 goals, the top-scorer for France, one ahead of the great Thierry Henry, it’s quite the achievement,” said Lineker.

Pochettino responded: “I always hate Giroud because of Arsenal, not Chelsea. He was a player that you always faced and he is capable of everything. It’s a massive achievement.

On what problems he gave when he was Tottenham boss: “He’s a player, as a centre-back, that you hate because he’s a killer and inside the box, it’s difficult because he’s big, clever, very good movement and so smart.”

ARSENAL COULD DO WITH GIROUD NOW

Following a knee injury to Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Arteta might be dipping into the January transfer market to sign a new striker.

A player like Giroud’s ilk, for the short-term, would do wonders for Arsenal because of his ability to bring the best out of those around him.

Now, those in north London aren’t going to re-sign Giroud, they will more than likely look for younger and fresher legs because that call during the January transfer window is going to be key as to how they defend their current status at the top of the table.