Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterGiven the fierce rivalries at the upper end of English football, its rare to see stars move between top clubs. When it does happen, it tends to have dramatic consequences.It wasnt a surprise, therefore, to see Olivier Giroud take his former side to the sword when lining up for Chelsea against Arsenal in the 2019 Europa League Final, scoring and assisting as the Blues ran out 4-1 winners.Giroud had been a crowd favourite at Arsenal, scoring 73 goals in 180 appearances for the north London side across a six-year spell. Yet in the winter window of 2018, Arsenal made the curious decision to sell the targetman to cross-town rivals Chelsea. A decision which would come back to bite them. You may like I have never seen greater passion Olivier Giroud compares the North London Derby with the Derby della Madonnina I was touched by God's grace that day Olivier Giroud recalls his stunning scorpion kick goal against Crystal Palace in 2019 If we played that game 10 times, wed win it nine Olivier Giroud recalls the most painful defeat of his entire career, and why it made him the player he became Olivier Giroud recalls lining up against his former Arsenal team-mates in BakuI swapped Arsenal for Chelsea in January 2018 and, at the end of my first full season, we played my old team in the Europa League final, Giroud tells FourFourTwo as part of an exclusive chat.It was a really special game for me.Get VIP Premier League tickets HERE with Seat Unique!For a die-hard fan, Seat Unique is a shortcut to those sold-out, high-stakes Premier League matches that usually feel out of reach without years of loyalty points. By partnering directly with clubs like Manchester United, Spurs, and Everton, they provide 100% official, guaranteed entry without the red tape of memberships or ballots. Its a secure way to bypass the resale lottery and walk straight into the ground with a prime view, making those "once-in-a-lifetime" derbies actually doable.View DealGiroud was in top form, too, inspiring the Blues to a huge victory alongside the likes of Eden Hazard, Jorginho and NGolo Kante. The Frenchman opened the scoring in the 49th minute, as Maurizio Sarris team dominated Unai Emerys Gunners.I had a great game, continues Giroud, who went on to score 17 goals in 75 Chelsea appearances. I scored the games opening goal, which was a strange moment for me as I loved Arsenal.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.I didnt really celebrate the goal out of respect but it was an incredible feeling to score in the final. I then won a penalty, which Eden Hazard converted. It was a special day because to win a first European trophy with a club meant a lot to me and especially against Arsenal, whom I love."It was a mix of emotions but I am very grateful to have played well in that final.This article was sponsored by kalshi promo code.TOPICSArsenalChelseaUEFA Europa LeagueEd McCambridgeSocial Links NavigationStaff WriterEd is a staff writer at FourFourTwo, working across the magazine and website. A German speaker, hes been working as a football reporter in Berlin since 2015, predominantly covering the Bundesliga and Germany's national team. Favourite FFT features include an exclusive interview with Jude Bellingham following the youngsters move to Borussia Dortmund in 2020, a history of the Berlin Derby since the fall of the Wall and a celebration of Kevin Keegans playing career.
