Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud admits he was 'very close' to joining Everton in the summer but is happy to have remained at the Emirates

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Olivier Giroud has opened up for the first time on his near departure from Arsenal in the summer, admitting he was 'very close' to joining Everton.

The France international was heavily linked with an Emirates departure and looked to be on the verge of calling time on his Gunners career.

Giroud's situation was made all the more precarious following the arrival of record signing Alexandre Lacazette, with his international team-mate arriving to take his place in the squad.

Olivier Giroud has now admitted he came 'very close' to joining Everton in the summer

Everton pushed hard to recruit Giroud and fill the space up front vacated by Romelu Lukaku following his switch to Manchester United.

But the Frenchman opted to remain in London - a decision which he now maintains he is happy with.

'I had the opportunity to leave. I was very close to another English club - Everton - but I think I made the best choice,' Giroud told French broadcasters Canal Football Club prior to Tuesday's final World Cup qualifier against Belarus.

Once clubs back in his native France heard of Giroud's potential availability over the summer, interest was immediately high.

The striker chose to stay at Arsenal and now feels in hindsight that he made the best decision

Everton wanted to bring in Giroud to fill the gap left by Romelu Lukaku's summer transfer

He made his name with Montpellier and fast became one of the most formidable strikers in Ligue 1 before his move to the Premier League.

Marseille and Lyon registered interest in the national star, though Giroud admits he has no interest in moving back to the French division just yet.

'I have a lot of respect for Marseille, I was a fan for years,' Giroud said. 

'I also have a lot of respect for Lyon, who were also interested at one time. I didn't want to return to France. 

Giroud is now preparing to help France book their spot at the 2018 Russia World Cup this week

'I'm happy in England, it's nothing against those clubs. But a return to France is possible one day.'

Victory over Belarus will confirm passage to the Russia World Cup for Giroud and his international team-mates, seeing them top Group A.

Sweden are likely to follow in their wake, as they have only to avoid losing 7-0 to Holland in order to progress.