Former France international striker, Olivier Giroud, has revealed that his decision to leave Arsenal for Chelsea was driven by his desire to play at the 2018 World Cup, describing the move as one of the toughest choices of his career.
The 40-year-old is preparing to return to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday when his current club, Lille, face Arsenal in a UEFA Champions League fixture in north London.
Giroud spent nearly six years at Arsenal, scoring 105 goals in 235 appearances under former manager Arsene Wenger before joining Chelsea ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
Reflecting on his departure, the striker admitted that leaving the Gunners was an emotional decision, despite the need to make the move for the sake of his international career.
“Arsenal was a major part of my career and I had to leave in order to play at the 2018 World Cup,”
“I was really sad when I left the club but I had to make that choice, and it was one of the toughest ones in my career, but it was important and necessary for the rest of my career.
“So, it is great to come back at 40 years old with a French club and to play against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. That is a blessing. It is something I wanted to happen, and I feel very lucky.”
Giroud won the FA Cup three times during his Arsenal spell but did not win the Premier League title with the north London club.
He subsequently left Chelsea for AC Milan before spending a season with Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC and returning to France last year.
The striker also praised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, whom he played alongside during their time at the club, describing the Spaniard as a natural leader who was destined for a career in management.
“Mikel is a great person, a great manager and he has shown that with the team he has built.
“The Premier League title proves he has done incredible work, and he was given the time which was very important.
“I remember Mikel as a player, and you could see he was made for a managerial career because he was a leader on the pitch, but off it, too. He was very demanding with himself, and his team-mates and great technically.
“I really enjoyed my time with him. We won a few trophies together and it is a blessing to come back here and play against his team.”
