Frenchman says he was on the verge of Bayern Munich switch.
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has revealed he came close to joining Champions League finalists Bayern Munich last summer, reports Football365.com.
The 26-year-old joined the Gunners from Montpellier in a £9.6m deal in August and has bagged 11 goals in 33 Premier League appearances in his debut season.
And the France international claims he almost joined Bavarian giants Bayern Munich before making the switch to the Emirates Stadium, only for the Bundesliga outfit to buy Croatian Mario Mandzukic.
“Not directly but my agent was and it was validated by Bayern,” said Giroud when asked about an approach from Bayern.
“They wanted time to watch the Euros and Mandzukic had a good tournament.”
Bayern are set to face Borussia Dortmund in an all German Champions League final later this month and have already claimed the Bundesliga crown.
Despite the Germans’ success, Grioud claims he has no regrets about joining the Gunners.
“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.”
Giroud scored 21 goals last season to help Montpellier to a shock Ligue 1 title win but has faced criticism from some sections of the Arsenal support this term.
COMMENTS