Olivier Giroud has no regrets over staying at Arsenal

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has revealed that he has no regrets after deciding to stay at the Emirates last summer and playing second fiddle to Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman has not started a league game this season and has only been part of the team's Europa League and League Cup campaigns so far.

Former Everton manager Ronald Koeman recently revealed just how close he was to bringing Giroud to Finch Farm, but the £20m-rated France international ultimately opted to bat away the Dutchman's advances and fight for his place at North London. Giroud has received less than 200 minutes of Premier League action so far this season, spread over 10 substitute appearances, latest being against Manchester City in the Gunners' 3-1 loss at the Etihad.

"I am not questioning myself about my future," said Giroud, as quoted by The Telegraph. "I am happy at Arsenal and I am fine with the decision to stay because I want to. I am thinking that the story between the club and myself is not over and not finished. We will see what happens but I am happy at Arsenal for the moment.

"Arsene's always supporting me and there is a lot of trust in each other," said Giroud. "He trusts in me and I try to give it back on the pitch when I can."

However, his decision has not gone down well with France manager Didier Deschamps, who is not pleased with the striker not playing regularly in the league. However, the Frenchman is not concerned at the turn of events and recently staked his claim in the Gunners' first-team with a well-worked goal against Wales in an international friendly where France emerged 2-0 winners, having already qualified for the World Cup in 2018.

Giroud's goal against Wales also brought him to within a goal of his hero Jean-Pierre Papin in fifth place on France's all-time list on 29. Only Zinedine Zidane, David Trezeguet, Michel Platini and Thierry Henry are ahead in the list, but Giroud has played less games than all of them.

"Papin was one of my favourite players," said Giroud on his achievement. "I'm very grateful. I'm very proud and I always try to bring something to the national team. My best season was in 2015/2016 when I scored 34 goals with Arsenal and the national team, including the Euros.

"Usually, I play a bit less with Arsenal but I always try to keep my efficiency high. That's most important for me."