Giroud calls Arsenal departure the hardest decision of his career

Olivier Giroud will return to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday when Lille meet Arsenal in north London, describing his departure from the Gunners as the hardest decision of his playing career. The 40-year-old striker spent almost six seasons with Arsenal and will now face a club that played a defining role in his rise at the highest level.

Arsenal exit shaped Giroud’s international ambitions

Giroud struck 105 goals in 235 appearances for Arsenal after arriving during Arsène Wenger’s reign. He won the FA Cup on three occasions, although the Premier League title eluded him during his spell in north London.

His move to Chelsea came before the 2018 World Cup, with regular playing time central to his decision. Giroud said leaving Arsenal was painful, but felt it was necessary to protect his place in France’s plans.

“Arsenal was an important part of my career, but I needed to move in order to play at the 2018 World Cup,” Giroud said. “I was very sad to leave. It was among the most difficult choices I have made, but it was necessary for what came next in my career.”

• Giroud scored 105 goals in 235 Arsenal matches.
• He spent nearly six years with the Gunners.
• He lifted the FA Cup three times at Arsenal.
• His 2018 move to Chelsea preceded the World Cup.

A long route back to north London

After leaving Chelsea, Giroud joined AC Milan before spending a year in Major League Soccer with Los Angeles FC. He returned to France last year and is now part of the Lille side preparing to take on Arsenal.

The match gives Giroud an opportunity he had hoped would arrive late in his career. He said the prospect of returning to the Emirates with a French club, and facing Mikel Arteta’s team, feels particularly special.

“Coming back at 40 with Lille to play Arsenal is a real blessing,” he said. “It was something I wanted to experience and I feel fortunate that it has happened.”

Respect for former team-mate Arteta

Giroud and Arteta played together at Arsenal, and the Frenchman believes the Spaniard displayed the leadership and standards required for management long before taking charge of the club.

Arteta, 44, recently agreed a contract extension that will keep him at Arsenal until 2030. Last season, he guided the Gunners to their first league championship in 22 years.

Giroud praised both Arteta’s personality and the work behind Arsenal’s revival, highlighting the time the head coach was given to build his side.

“Mikel is an excellent person and an outstanding manager, and the team he has created shows that,” Giroud said. “Winning the Premier League underlines the job he has done. Having time was hugely important.

“Even as a player, he looked suited to management. He led on the pitch and away from it, demanded a lot of himself and his team-mates, and had real technical quality. I enjoyed playing alongside him and we won trophies together. To return and face his Arsenal side is very special.”

Tuesday’s Emirates reunion

Giroud’s return adds a personal element to Lille’s visit to Arsenal. For the former France international, the occasion will bring him back to a ground where he collected silverware, established himself in English football and formed a bond with supporters before his career took him through Chelsea, Milan and Los Angeles.