Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was disappointed to lose Olivier Giroud to Chelsea on Wednesday.
Wenger didn’t want to lose the French international – particularly to a rival – but admits he felt a debt of gratitude to Giroud, who wanted to stay in London.
“He was massively popular here,” said Wenger. “Olivier wanted more playing time, he has not played many Premier League games and wants as well to go to the World Cup.
“That is why I opened the door [to a transfer]. Ideally you want him to go to clubs who do not compete with you, but on the other hand it was a bit linked to the Aubameyang deal.
“He’s just had a third baby it was a bit difficult for his family to leave London. We owe him a lot for his exceptional dedication and commitment to the club; it was difficult to turn it down because it was a rival club.”
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