End of January marks the first year anniversary of Olivier Giroud’s surprise move to Chelsea for £18million, and the Frenchman will walk back into the Emirates Stadium for the first time since leaving Arsenal this weekend when Maurizio Sarri and his Blues visit The Emirates Stadium for Premier League’s clash of the weekend.
Olivier Giroud moved to Chelsea in search of first-team football to make his claim for the starting berth at the World Cup. Although he has just made twenty starts for Chelsea in the last twelve months and with Gonazalo Higuain on the way to the Stamford Bridge – these statistics is surely going to come under scrutiny.
It was difficult for Olivier Giroud to walk away from the club he shares alot with, but he still believes he has justified means.
“People understand why I had to move,” he explained. “It was not my choice but it was a great opportunity for me to show my determination to carry on playing in the Premier League, especially for a big club like Chelsea.
“I settled well, we won the FA Cup and I had an opportunity to play more than when I was at Arsenal. After that, I had a good World Cup with France, so for me it was definitely a good choice to leave.
“But Arsenal fans don’t forget what you have done. They were amazing years, I improved a lot. I owe them a lot. It will be a great moment for me to go back.”
Cesc Fabregas was welcomed with boos on every occasion he featured at the Emirates Stadium, well Giroud is expected to get a warm reception tomorrow.
WATCH: Olivier Giroud | All 100 Goals for Arsenal
Although Oliveir Giroud was not an ideal striker or I’ll say probably under-rated but the 31-year-old did provid plenty of highlights for the Gooners.
Asked about his favourite, he replied: “The scorpion kick against Crystal Palace (in 2017). That was the best goal in all my career, but I also remember the good team spirit we had, the six trophies we won.
“Will I celebrate if I score against them? No, I’m not like that. It will be special for me if I get the chance to play. If I score, I will respect everyone.”
Despite being at Chelsea, Oli has been having an eye on how is old side is adapting under new manager Unai Emery. Arsenal were looking refurbished after they went on an unbeaten run lasting 22 matches, though they are running in some grey patch as of now with four losses in last eight fixtures and suddenly Emery and his tactics have come under radar, with former midfielder Emmanuel Petit questioning Wenger sack.-
Giroud was swift towards praising the impact Unai Emery has had: “I think he has settled well. I’ve been talking to the boys there and they say they are very happy with him.
“He is a competitor, he wants to improve his players and they are very pleased with his philosophy of how he wants the game to be played. But, hopefully, we will still be in front of them at the end of the season.”
Its a game of big statute for Chelsea as well as Arsenal to ensure they finish in the top four this season and that is the minimum expectations from Maurizio Sarri and Unai Emery. Chelsea stands fourth six points clear of Arsenal and Manchester United, but if Arsenal win tomorrow it would be a significant blow to Chelsea which will leave their fourth spot under fire.
“It is a fixture against a direct opponent in the Champions League race,” Giroud continued.
“If we can win it, a nine-point gap is a big one to have over them. We must take this opportunity. It has been a long time since we had a week off like we have just had to prepare for a game. We will be 100 per cent focused.”
MUST READ:
– ‘Bring him home’ – Arsenal fans want Olivier Giroud re-signed
– Times when Olivier Giroud saved Arsenal’s day
