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08th Nov 2016

Olivier Giroud says he’s “not happy with my situation” – and hints he could leave Arsenal

He's spent most of this season on the bench

Rob Burnett

Olivier Giroud says he will “take stock at the end of the season” after admitting he is not happy at Arsenal.

The Gunners striker told French sports paper L’Equipe he is disappointed with life on the bench after spending most of this season as a substitute.

He did not start a game for Arsenal until the 3-2 Champions League victory over Ludogorets last week – a match he scored in just three days after he came on and bagged a brace against Sunderland in the Premier League.

He has even hinted he may look to leave the club at the end of next season when his current deal finishes.

“I see my future at Arsenal until the date my contract ends,” he said.

“I feel good here and I want to play at the highest level for as long as possible.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Oliver Giroud of Arsenal scores his second goal during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Arsenal at Stadium of Light on October 29, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“I still feel I’ve got the gas to do it. After, for sure I’d prefer to be playing, but it will be for me to find my place.

“I won’t lie, there have been times I’ve been disappointed and not happy with my situation. But the coach knows that. He’s the one who makes the choices.

“I have not knocked on Arsene’s office. We’ll see, I’m not worried, my time will come.

“He’s always supported me in the difficult times and I have every confidence he’ll keep doing so.

“I’ll fight for my place. What’s happening today is the story of my career. It’s endless in football.

“I’m not the kind of player to give up and to demand things. Even if I don’t play all the matches, I’m sure the coach will use me. We’ll take stock at the end of the season.”

The French striker has played eight times for Arsenal this season, scoring three times, but he has slipped down the pecking order at the Emirates as Wenger has begun to favour using Alexis Sanchez up front rather than out wide.
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