Arsenal FC striker Olivier Giroud was refreshingly candid about his future during a preseason exhibition tour media opportunity. Typically, most of what gets said during these sort of preseason press conferences is cliche and boiler plate, but Giroud instead put it all out there.
He’s been linked with a move to several clubs, including Everton, West Ham United, Marseille and AC Milan. Giroud told the media that he will remain professional while on tour in Australia (and potentially later the Far East) with the rest of his teammates this summer, but he admits leaving the Emirates is an option.
He didn’t stop there; even once referring to his time at Arsenal in the past tense.
‘It (leaving) is an option to be honest with you,’ he said in Sydney.
‘I’m here in pre-season, I wanted to travel. Some people asked me if I am going to travel or not and of course, I am Arsenal player and for the moment I am here so I just want to prepare well for the season and we will see later.
‘It is true that I really enjoyed my five years with Arsenal,’ Giroud added (transcription via the Daily Mail). ‘I’m still an Arsenal player for the moment so I try to be professional. No matter what happens, I did my job on the pitch.”
With Arsenal breaking the club record to sign Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon, and Alexis Sanchez probably staying this upcoming season, playing time for Giroud could be scarce. The Frenchman who’s known for being very photogenic, but also extremely polarizing amongst the fan base would likely best be served by moving on at this point.
Expect a deal to be done soon, as Giroud seeks a place to get regular first team football.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV.
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