Olivier Giroud has explained why it was an ‘easy’ decision to leave Arsenal in January and sign for Chelsea. The French striker spent six years with the Gunners, scoring over 100 goals and helping the club win three FA Cups. But, desperate for a more central role ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Giroud instigated a move during the January transfer window.

When I had the opportunity to join Chelsea and stay in the Premier League, it was easy,’ he told The Sun. ‘That Arsenal page is finished now and it’s a new chapter for my career. Now I am 100 per cent focused on the Blues and achieving our targets. ‘I am at the best club in England in recent years because Chelsea have won more trophies than anyone else.

Chelsea are a massive club and we want to challenge for the title every single year. ‘Obviously the competition has been the toughest this year — with Man City, Liverpool doing well, Man United, even Arsenal. ‘That’s why I love the Premier League, it’s the best championship, it is very hard. I am a competitor so hopefully next year we will compete for it.’ Giroud said he was delighted to join one of the biggest clubs in England upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge, but the first few months of his career in west London have been frustrating.

He has scored just once for his new club, often playing back-up to club-record signing Alvaro Morata and false nine Eden Hazard. On the competition with fellow striker Morata, who has scored 14 goals in 41 games for Chelsea, Giroud said: ‘Alvaro is a very nice guy. Since I arrived he has welcomed me very well. ‘I have a good understanding with all of the players, on and off of the pitch. I always say that competition is good and nice for a striker because it forces you to improve and step up. ‘It is nice because Chelsea need several strikers because it is a big team. It is nice competition, it is fair competition

When he scores, he deserves to stay on and I try to give my best to show that I am ready.’ Chelsea continue their Premier League campaign with a trip to relegation-battlers Southampton on Saturday.







Olivier Giroud has explained why it was an ‘easy’ decision to leave Arsenal in January and sign for Chelsea. The French striker spent six years with the Gunners, scoring over 100 goals and helping the club win three FA Cups. But, desperate for a more central role ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Giroud instigated a move during the January transfer window.

When I had the opportunity to join Chelsea and stay in the Premier League, it was easy,’ he told The Sun. ‘That Arsenal page is finished now and it’s a new chapter for my career. Now I am 100 per cent focused on the Blues and achieving our targets. ‘I am at the best club in England in recent years because Chelsea have won more trophies than anyone else.

Chelsea are a massive club and we want to challenge for the title every single year. ‘Obviously the competition has been the toughest this year — with Man City, Liverpool doing well, Man United, even Arsenal. ‘That’s why I love the Premier League, it’s the best championship, it is very hard. I am a competitor so hopefully next year we will compete for it.’ Giroud said he was delighted to join one of the biggest clubs in England upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge, but the first few months of his career in west London have been frustrating.

He has scored just once for his new club, often playing back-up to club-record signing Alvaro Morata and false nine Eden Hazard. On the competition with fellow striker Morata, who has scored 14 goals in 41 games for Chelsea, Giroud said: ‘Alvaro is a very nice guy. Since I arrived he has welcomed me very well. ‘I have a good understanding with all of the players, on and off of the pitch. I always say that competition is good and nice for a striker because it forces you to improve and step up. ‘It is nice because Chelsea need several strikers because it is a big team. It is nice competition, it is fair competition

When he scores, he deserves to stay on and I try to give my best to show that I am ready.’ Chelsea continue their Premier League campaign with a trip to relegation-battlers Southampton on Saturday.