Olivier Giroud insists leaving Arsenal for Chelsea was right move ahead of World Cup

On form | Giroud scored his 31st goal for France
EPA
James Benge29 May 2018

Olivier Giroud has credited his move from Arsenal to Chelsea with reviving his form in time for the World Cup.

Giroud scored France’s opener in a 2-0 friendly win over the Republic of Ireland on Monday night, a goal that will further strengthen his chances of earning a starting spot in Didier Deschamps’ side when the World Cup kicks off next month.

It was that challenge that convinced Giroud to move across London in January, with the arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang meaning the first team opportunities he needed to secure a place in the Les Bleus squad.

Giroud has made an encouraging start to life at Chelsea, scoring five goals in 18 appearances and overhauling Alvaro Morata to be the Blues first-choice striker. He is seeing the benefits of the move on the international level as well.

"I had to impose myself at Chelsea," Giroud said. “I've always been lucky enough to have made the right decisions, if I can say that. I’ve always felt that I've had good fortune in that way.

"It's not just about making the right choice. You have to make your mark too. I had the chance to do that and I'm very happy. It's a development in my career in terms of my club.

"I feel very good there and it was definitely a new challenge that was needed for my development, for the rest of my career, and also for the World Cup.

"I performed for Chelsea and that helped me keep my confidence up and to be in form so that I would be ready for France."

Giroud’s goal in the victory over Ireland was his 31st in 72 international appearances, taking him to fourth place on his country’s scoring list, ahead of Zinedine Zidane.

”I obviously feel very proud," Giroud told reporters. "Zizou is a legend of French football and for me it's clearly a great satisfaction on a personal level.”

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