France international Olivier Giroud has revealed that Arsenal favourite Robert Pires played a definitive role in urging him to pursue a move to Chelsea during the January transfer window.
The 31-year-old had become a fan favourite during his five-and-a-half year spell with the Gunners, but he decided on securing a fresh challenge in order to enhance his World Cup champions.
Giroud was initially thought to be a target for Borussia Dortmund, but ultimately he was involved a transfer merry-go-round which saw Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Michy Batshuayi (loan) move to Arsenal and Dortmund respectively.
The Frenchman has since had a decent start with the Blues with one goal and three assists in all competitions, and speaking in an interview with L’Equipe, he confirmed that Pires, who is a close friend, had advised him to pursue the move across London.
“Football legends like Robert Pires, who’s a close friend, Freddy Ljungberg and even some former Chelsea players told me that their game would suit me because they always play with a big striker and cross a lot,” he said.
Meanwhile, Giroud refused to criticise Arsene Wenger for his difficult situation during the first-half of the season and admitted that it was his choice to stay put.
However, the once Montpellier man added that he was unlikely to play as the third-choice striker behind Alexandre Lacazete and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and this eventually made his exit ‘unavoidable’.
Unlike several previous exits, Giroud will be fondly be remembered by the Gunners faithful for his contribution over the years, and this includes match-winning assists in the 2014 and 2017 FA Cup finals.
The Frenchman accomplished the feat of scoring 100 times for Arsenal in all competitions prior to his exit, and his Puskas award-winning Scorpion kick goal will probably never be repeated in the Premier League.
