Ex-Arsenal Star: We Need To Give Unai Emery Time

Olivier Giroud is clearly still keeping an eye on what’s going on at Arsenal…

Former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has stated that it’s only fair to give Unai Emery time to implement his ideas as the Frenchman prepares his return to the Emirates on Saturday, ESPN reports.

Giroud left the club 12 months ago to join Chelsea for a reported fee of £18million and there has been much upheaval at the club since his departure.

The World Cup winner claimed that he’s spoken to a number of the players and they’ve spoken of their admiration of the manager, though he made it clear that Arsene Wenger’s efforts must not be forgotten.

Giroud scored over 100 goals and is only one of 19 players in our history to become a centurion, a milestone which forever cemented his legacy at the club.

Ahead of his return, the 32-year-old spoke on the changes in north London.

“It’s a new adventure for them with a new coach,” Giroud said.

“I think Emery has settled well in the club, the players like him, the way they are training, his philosophy of the game. I spoke with some of them and they are quite happy, but you don’t forget what Arsene Wenger achieved in this club.

“He basically built this club — if you take the different teams that used to train under Wenger, there were some unbelievable teams.

“We need to be patient with Emery and I think he will do very well at Arsenal. I’m not sure they’re better than before [yet], but one thing for sure is they’ve got a nice future.”

That fact that he still refers to Arsenal as “we” certainly warms the heart for a player who grew to become a cult hero at the club.

While he was never good enough to lead us to a title challenge, Giroud certainly overachieved for a player who cost us £12million.

He may be a little nervous about his return but I’d surprised if Giroud didn’t receive a sound reception.