Chelsea ace Olivier Giroud aim dig at former club Arsenal ahead of Barcelona UCL tie

France international striker Olivier Giroud says he could not remain at North London side Arsenal as the second choice for new forward signings Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Winter move for Frenchman

The Frenchman made a £18million switch across the City of London to reigning Premier League Champions Chelsea, aiming to resurrect his fading FIFA World Cup hopes.

The big striker has had a superb impact since arriving at Stamford Bridge, scoring a goal and providing three assists so far.

After making only one English Premier League start for the North London club this campaign, the 31-year-old aimed a dig at his former side for leaving him feeling marginalized at the club.

Reasons why he left Arsenal

Talking to France Football, the striker said he wanted to be happy again by playing regular football, so he left.

The admitted that at the Emirates Stadium, his future darkened with the signing of a new frontman.

He said it could not continue that way and he could not afford to spend another season as a cover.

He said he could have remained at the club if nobody arrived at his role.

Dortmund offer

The Frenchman also cleared up a rumour that he turned down the chance to join German side Borussia Dortmund because his wife never wanted to leave the City of London.

He joined because Chelsea was an outright transfer, not a loan offer like in Borussia Dortmund.

He is hoping for some playing time when his team play host to FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League Tuesday night.