France manager Didier Deschamps says Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud’s decision to stay at the club could cost him his place in the national team.
The Frenchman scored his 100th goal for the Gunners in the Europa League tie against BATE Borisov last night, but speaking to reporters about the continued selection of the 30 year old for France, Deschamps delivered a warning to the forward:
“This is not ideal. his playing time is reduced. He plays the Europa League. I will not take away from him what he did with us, he has very good statistics, but I would prefer him to be in a club where he plays almost all games. He made the decision to stay at Arsenal. It’s his choice. It can have consequences like all other players.”
It seems as though Giroud will have a decision to make in January if he doesn’t break in to Arsenal’s starting eleven between now and the next transfer window.
Deschamps has been loyal to the striker up until now because of the player’s excellent recent goal record for France (he has scored six goals in his last seven appearances). However, it seems Giroud is putting his place at next year’s World Cup at risk by staying at the Emirates, and it will be interesting to see what he decides to do.
