Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud: I was close to joining Bayern Munich
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud reveals he was close to joining Bayern Munich before eventually moving to the Gunners
Olivier Giroud has revealed he came close to joining Bayern Munich before moving to Arsenal last summer.
The 26-year-old, who is currently suspended due to his red card at Fulham last month, has scored 11 goals in 33 Premier League appearances this season.
Giroud, who has 17 caps for France, sealed a reported £9.6m move to the Gunners last summer after netting 21 goals to help Montpellier win their first-ever Ligue 1 title in 2012.
And the forward claims he was close to completing a move to Bayern Munich ahead of Euro 2012 but the Champions League finalists opted to buy Mario Mandzukic, and Giroud joined Arsenal.
“Not directly but my agent was and it was validated by Bayern,” said Giroud when asked about an approach from Bayern, according to the Sun.
“They wanted time to watch the Euros and Mandzukic had a good tournament.
“The fact I was wooed by Arsenal is good. I’m very happy here. English football is what I hoped for.
“The people live, eat and sleep football here.”
