Player Profile
- Name
- Olivier Giroud
- Squad number
- 12
- Born
- September 30, 1986/Chambery, France
- Previous clubs
- Grenoble, Istres (loan), Tours, Montpellier
- @_OlivierGiroud_
Prolific striker Olivier netted 16 times for the Gunners last term, despite starting just 17 times in all competitions.
The Frenchman closed the season just two away from a century of Arsenal strikes, averaging nearly a goal every other game since joining the club in 2012.
His tally in 2016/17 included an incredible 'scorpion kick' volley against Crystal Palace on New Year's Day, which was later voted as our Goal of the Season.
He scored six goals as a substitute in the Premier League – more than any other player – and came off the bench to set up the winning goal in the FA Cup final with virtually his first touch. It was the second time he has set up Aaron Ramsey to score the winner in the Emirates FA Cup final, and he is one of four players to have played in each of the 2014, 2015 and 2017 finals.
This is Olivier's sixth season with us – he signed a new deal in January 2017 – after signing from Montpellier, whom he helped win the Ligue 1 title in his final season.
A muscular, robust centre forward, who is dominant in the air and holds the ball up well, the 6ft 4in Frenchman is a vital member of the national team too, and is now among the top-10 goalscorers in his country's history.
He's represented Les Bleus at three major tournaments, including helping them reach the final of Euro 2016, where he finished as second top scorer.
