Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud reveals he was on the brink of leaving the club… before a sudden change of heart
Gunners striker claims a heart-to-heart with close friends and family made it clear the Emirates was the best place for him
ARSENAL forward Olivier Giroud reveals he was on the brink of leaving the club... before changing his mind in the 11th-hour.
The Gunners striker, 30, claims a heart-to-heart with close friends and family made it clear the Emirates was the best place for him.
Giroud said he feels he has a lot more to give the club and is will to continue his "story" in North London.
Ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash with Cologne, the 66-cap France international said: "It was a private decision to stay.
"It is true I was close to leaving the club because I said I wanted to play.
"But after a big reflection with my family and close friends in the sport, I wanted to stay at Arsenal.
"I thought the story was not over or finished at Arsenal. The club has brought me a lot and I think I give it back.
"I still want to improve and win trophies with the club. My story is not finished."
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On being just one short of scoring 100 goals for Arsenal, Giroud added: "The goals will come if we play well and focus on our games.
"I am not too worried about statistics.
"We had a tough start, it was great to bounce back against Bournemouth. It was a great response in character.
"It was good for the confidence, now we have to focus on the Europa League."
