Olivier Giroud held private talks with Arsene Wenger in the summer (Picture: Getty)

Olivier Giroud has lifted the lid on his decision to turn down a return to France this summer in order to stay on at Arsenal.

It’s understood Ligue 1 clubs Marseille and Lyon were keen on landing Giroud and Premier League outfit Everton also expressed an interest in signing the 30-year-old centre-forward ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.

Ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League opener with Koln, Giroud revealed that he remained in north London to win trophies after approaching his friends and family for advice.

Asked how close he came to leaving Arsenal in the summer, the France striker said: ‘That’s a very private decision because, it’s true, I was close.

Olivier Giroud is expected to start against Koln at the Emirates (Picture: Getty)

‘I said I wanted to play but after reflecting with everybody around me – my family and my friends – I wanted to stay at Arsenal.

‘I thought the story was not over at Arsenal. The club has given me a lot and I want to give it back, improve and win more trophies.

‘I said to the boss, “our story is not finished”, and everyone was pleased with that.’

Olivier Giroud considered joining Patrice Evra at Marseille (Picture: Getty)

Patrice Evra recently confirmed Marseille’s interest in Giroud but understood the forward’s decision to remain at Arsenal.

He told La Provence: ‘Olivier was contacted, it was his choice. You cannot force people to come to Marseille so I can not be disappointed, I do the best job in the world.

‘A player must not be concerned about the market, he must be irreproachable on the ground.

‘The rest belongs to the management. When I hear a player say “we are going to sign this player, I tell him to stop.’

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