Olivier Giroud returns to the Emirates as Arsenal host Lille in UCL

Olivier Giroud returns to the Emirates with Lille: this Tuesday Arsenal host him in the Champions League (21:00). The 40-year-old striker comes back to a ground where he starred for nine seasons, even if part of the fanbase still carries memories from his time at Chelsea.

The piece underlines his Arsenal spell: from 2012 to 2021 he played six seasons, scoring 105 goals in 253 matches, winning three FA Cups and three Community Shields. Francis Coquelin, who played with Giroud at Arsenal under Arsène Wenger, says his move wasn’t smooth because of the rivalry with Robin van Persie and Marouane Chamakh: “Pour Olivier, ça a été une transition… Il est arrivé dans des conditions pas simples”.

Chelsea echoes on the day

Pascal Cygan adds that it’s not easy to impose yourself when you come from a smaller club to a huge one like Arsenal. Meanwhile, Benjamin, supporter of the “Français d’Arsenal” section, recalls how fans quickly embraced him and even used a chant on the “Hey Jude” tune.

Axel, an Emirates regular, points to the sting some felt after Giroud left for Chelsea and later lifted the Europa League over Arsenal in 2019, scoring first at Baku: “Merci Arsenal”.

Lille need a spark

Lille arrive after losing at home to Real Betis (2-3). With Giroud set to try to shake the net at the Emirates, Coquelin believes his reception will be special for both the person and the player, saying he “a fermé beaucoup de bouches” over his career—an idea he expects to resonate again on Tuesday.