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Olivier Giroud admits he ‘found it harder’ to leave Chelsea than Arsenal as he opens up on exit
Olivier Giroud has admitted that leaving Chelsea was ‘harder’ than leaving Arsenal after his brilliant success at Stamford Bridge, but he was left ‘a little frustrated’ by his Blues exit.
During his three-and-a-half-year stay at Stamford Bridge, the France striker scored 39 goals in 119 appearances and won the Champions League, Europa League, and an FA Cup.
However, under Thomas Tuchel, his playing time was limited last season, with Timo Werner and Kai Havertz frequently being selected ahead of him, and he was subsequently sold to AC Milan for £3.6 million during the summer.
The World Cup winner had a promising start to his career in Italy, scoring two goals in his first five appearances, but COVID-19 and injury have stymied his progress.
The decorated Frenchman has now opened up to talkSPORT about how difficult it was to leave Chelsea in the summer, admitting that it was even more difficult than leaving Arsenal, where he spent six years of his career.
“[I spent] three seasons-and-a-half there [at Chelsea],” he told Tuesday’s talkSPORT Breakfast.
“I had an amazing time at Arsenal but [at Chelsea] I can say even more because I won the big titles.
“It was emotionally difficult to leave when I left Montpelier and Arsenal, but even more tough [at Chelsea] because I didn’t play the last three months so it was evidence for me to leave and go for another challenge.
“I felt frustrated a little bit to not play the last three months because I contributed well to the Champions League success by finishing top scorer for the team.
“But what can I say? We were so successful and I am so pleased with the FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League. I scored a few important goals.
“It was tough to leave Chelsea and the Premier League but at the end of the day I think it was the best solution for me.”
Giroud is pleased with how he has started his new chapter in Serie A, and he hopes to return from a back injury this weekend after the international break.
After a promising start to life in Italy, the Frenchman was limited to only five appearances before being sidelined, but he is now close to full fitness.
“I started the season very well, I made a good pre-season with goals,” he said.
“My first game at the San Siro I scored a brace. I feel very good but after that I’ve been stopped in my good run because of COVID.
“I think started too early from COVID because I then got a back injury, something I’ve never had before.
“I felt a bit upset as the back is so important and you can’t do anything without the back.
“Now I start to get better and am training with the team so now hopefully I’ll be pain free and hopefully I’m in the squad for the weekend.”
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Olivier Giroud admits he ‘found it harder’ to leave Chelsea than Arsenal as he opens up on exit
