Olivier Giroud is determined to turn the increased competition for a starting place at Arsenal in his favour.
The striker saw Alexandre Lacazette arrive at the Emirates earlier this summer, raising more questions about his role in the team.
Last term Giroud was something of a peripheral figure, starting just 11 Premier League games as Arsene Wenger preferred Alexis Sanchez or Danny Welbeck in the central role.
A place in the starting XI looked likely to become even more fleeting following Lacazette’s arrival, leading to speculation Giroud would leave.
But he’s explained why he opted to stay – and why the increased competition could benefit the team.
‘There was something in my soul and in my heart which told me to stay,’ said Giroud, who opened his account for the season after coming off the bench to score the winner against Leicester on Friday.
‘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.’
Arsenal 2017/18 fixtures
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He continued: ‘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.’
Arsenal will look to maintain a 100% start to their season when they take on Stoke this weekend – with Giroud hoping he might have a role to play from the start.
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