Olivier Giroud has been linked with the exit door for much of the summer, but has made the decision to stay and play a role for Arsenal instead.
The striker has fallen down the pecking order over the past 12 months, playing only a squad member role for the majority of last season, and has now fallen further down the pecking order since the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon.
The Frenchman did impress as a super-sub for much of the previous campaign, scoring a number of crucial goals during the season, and is happy to stay with the club and play his part, regardless of the likelihood that he will start very few matches.
Giroud’s decision may well cost him his first-team role for France for the World Cup in Russia next summer also, but the player revealed that he is happy at the Emirates, and he feels the right decision was to stay.
“There was something in my soul and in my heart which told me to stay,” Giroud said.
“I’ve been hesitating because I’m the most happy man when I play and I am on the pitch.
“But I keep the faith and I still believe I can have an important part to play this season in the club and I feel good in my head and also physically.
“So I am 100 per cent focused on the club project. I’ve been through five amazing years here so I felt like the story had to continue.
“There are nice days to come from me in an Arsenal shirt.
“Good competition is always good for the team – it forces you to always give your best.”
Is there any chance Giroud could play alongside Lacazette this term? Will Olivier start many matches?
Pat J