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OLIVIER GIROUD has revealed his scorpion kick goal was a result of lessons... in CONTEMPORARY DANCE.

The Arsenal striker has just won the Puskas Award for his sensational strike against Crystal Palace on January 1.

 Olivier Giroud has revealed contemporary dance training may have helped him with his scorpion kick
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Olivier Giroud has revealed contemporary dance training may have helped him with his scorpion kickCredit: Colorsport

Giroud helped the Gunners waltz to a 2-0 win at the Emirates, with Alex Iwobi scoring the Gunners' second.

The France international, 31, has now said dance tuition at university proved a quickstep to success for him.

Giroud told French TV: "I did contemporary dance at university to prepare for my diploma as a sports coach. It was part of the programme.

"It was really bizarre, and not something I was specially comfortable with.

 Olivier Giroud won the Puskas award for the scorpion kick against Crystal Palace
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Olivier Giroud won the Puskas award for the scorpion kick against Crystal PalaceCredit: EPA
 Arsenal Super fan Gerald Clarke carved a pumpkin with the scorpion goal in it
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Arsenal Super fan Gerald Clarke carved a pumpkin with the scorpion goal in itCredit: Ciara Wilkinson

"But our tutor considered this style of dance to be an art form.

"My scorpion kick could well have been part of a choreography routine from my dance instructor at the time.


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"I expect I will have the mickey taken out of me now. This is the first time I have ever spoken about it."

Giroud won the award at a star-studded bash hosted by A-lister Idris Elba at the London Palladium.

 Olivier Giroud scored the goal in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace last season
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Olivier Giroud scored the goal in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace last seasonCredit: -

He said: “Thank you very much. It’s an honour for me. I’m delighted to receive this trophy in front of legends of football.

“I’d like to thank the people who voted for me. I’d like to thank the other nominees who scored amazing goals too.

“Obviously I thank my team-mates too. Without them I cannot score this goal.”

Giroud now hopes to lead Red Star Belgrade a merry dance in the Europa League on Thursday - and help Arsenal back into the Cha-Cha-Champions League next season.

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