'China is going to be a new adventure for me!'

Indonesia. Japan. Vietnam. Singapore. America. Australia.

 

Olivier Giroud has been fortunate to have experienced pre-season tours of all of the above since moving to north London - but he’s yet to set foot in China.

The France international wasn’t in Beijing when we last visited the country in 2012 and professes to enjoying the thrill of the new experiences pre-season can provide.

“I’ve been a few times in Asia with Arsenal,” Giroud told Arsenal Player. "I’ve been in Japan, in Vietnam and Indonesia. I’ve never been to China, so it’s going to be a new adventure for us and me. 

“I can’t wait to get there and it’s going to be a new experience for me. Everything that is new in my life is very exciting, so I am looking forward to that.

“I remember when we landed in Vietnam it was maybe 5am in the morning so I was so impressed by their welcome. A lot of people welcomed us at the airport and I was so surprised by the fact kids were playing football at 5am on a pitch. 

“When we go there, to Asia, people are amazing and they show their unconditional support. It’s always a pleasure to meet them.”