Olivier Giroud Reveals Why Leaving Arsenal Was Necessary for His Career

Olivier Giroud has revealed that leaving Arsenal for Chelsea in January 2018 was a difficult but necessary decision, as he looked to secure his place in France’s squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The French striker admitted that although he was saddened to leave the Emirates Stadium, prioritising his international ambitions was essential for the next stage of his career.

Giroud joined Arsenal in 2012 after helping Montpellier win the Ligue 1 title. During his time with the Gunners, he established himself as an important attacking option, scoring 105 goals in 253 appearances across competitions.

However, as the 2018 World Cup approached, the forward recognised that he needed to make a decisive move to strengthen his chances of representing France at the tournament in Russia.

Speaking about his departure, Giroud explained that leaving Arsenal was not an easy choice, but one he ultimately felt he had to make.

“It was part of my career and my time,” Giroud said.

“I had to leave the club in order to play the 2018 World Cup and we know the end of the story.

“I was really sad to leave the club but I had to make that choice and that was a tough one in my career but it was necessary and important for the rest of my career.”

Giroud’s Arsenal Exit Led to a World Cup Triumph

Giroud completed his move to Chelsea in January 2018, bringing his Arsenal chapter to an end and beginning a new phase of his career in west London.

The decision ultimately coincided with a memorable year for the striker. Giroud went on to feature for France at the 2018 World Cup, helping Les Bleus win the tournament in Russia.

Although he did not score during the competition, his contribution to the team’s attacking structure and link-up play formed part of France’s successful campaign.

His World Cup experience demonstrated the significance of the decision he had made months earlier. For Giroud, leaving Arsenal was about more than changing clubs; it was an opportunity to pursue a major international ambition.

Chelsea, AC Milan and Beyond

Giroud went on to make 119 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 39 goals for the club.

He also experienced European success during his time at Stamford Bridge, including winning the UEFA Champions League in 2021. His career subsequently took him to AC Milan and Los Angeles FC before his reported reunion with Arsenal through Lille’s Champions League meeting with the Gunners.

The striker’s journey across several major European clubs has underlined his longevity and ability to contribute in different attacking systems.

Arteta Praises Giroud’s Quality and Work Rate

Ahead of the meeting with Lille, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta offered a glowing assessment of Giroud, having played alongside the Frenchman during their time together at Arsenal.

Arteta highlighted the striker’s threat inside the penalty area, intelligence in possession and ability to connect with teammates.

“Every time you had him on the pitch, you had a massive threat inside the box,” Arteta said.

“He was very smart. He was so good at connecting with other players as well and his work rate was phenomenal, so certainly not [underrated] by us.”

The Arsenal manager’s comments reflected the qualities that made Giroud a valuable option during his time in north London. Beyond his goalscoring, his physical presence, movement and link-up play allowed him to bring other attackers into the game.

A Difficult Decision That Shaped His Career

Giroud’s departure from Arsenal remains a reminder of the difficult choices footballers sometimes face when balancing club football with international ambitions.

Leaving a club where he had scored more than 100 goals was an emotional decision, but the striker believed it was necessary to give himself the best opportunity to represent France at the World Cup.

With France ultimately lifting the trophy in 2018, Giroud has little reason to regret prioritising that ambition.

His reunion with Arsenal through Lille also provides an opportunity to reflect on a career that has taken him from Montpellier to the Premier League and on to success on the international stage.

For Giroud, leaving Arsenal was painful at the time, but it was a decision he believed was essential for his career—and one that preceded one of the greatest achievements in French football.