Olivier Giroud and Arsenal post classy farewell messages after £18m Chelsea transfer

James Benge31 January 2018

Olivier Giroud’s departure from Arsenal has led to an outpouring of grief… and not just among Gunners supporters.

Giroud made the switch across London to Chelsea, joining the Blues in an £18million deal and signing an initial 18 month deal at Stamford Bridge.

Though in his early years at Arsenal the France international was a decisive figure his departure was much mourned in north London, even if it did untie the transfer knot that allowed the Gunners to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund for £56m.

A tweet from Arsenal’s official account said: “For the scorpion kicks, the bullet headers, the late strikes, the north London derby winner, the FA Cup final assists, the 105 goals, the 253 appearances and for all the hard work and dedication, we want to say…

“THANK YOU, OLIVIER GIROUD.”

Posting on his Twitter feed Giroud offered a fond farewell to Arsenal supporters for whom he has at times proven to be a lightning rod for criticism.

That has changed over the past 18 months, when Giroud has largely been confined to a backup role behind first Alexis Sanchez and then Alexandre Lacazette.

“I spent five and a half amazing years within the Arsenal family,” Giroud wrote. “This beautiful story ends today.

“Thank you for your warm welcome. I would like to especially thank the fans for their unconditional support upon my arrival.”

Arsene Wenger had been particularly loath to lose Giroud though he reluctantly acknowledged the 31-year-old’s need for first team football as he vies for a place in the France World Cup squad.

Action Images via Reuters

Giroud made his final appearance for Arsenal in Tuesday night’s 3-1 defeat at Swansea, after the outline of a deal with Chelsea had been agreed, and speaking after the game Wenger was keen to pay tribute to the striker’s professionalism.

“Oli is a guy who gave great service to the club, he never let us down on the commitment front and he saved us many times,” said Wenger.

“We signed him from Montpellier and he became a strong, regular international player for France, and we have gone together through good and bad. But always I believe that his behaviour has been top, top class.

“He always had his heart 100 per cent in the team and he was committed.”

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