Arsenal star upset by fans’ reaction

Arsenal's Olivier Giroud drew a blank for France last night. Photo credit: Nick Potts/PA wire

Wednesday, September 12, 2012
1:03 PM

Beleaguered Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud admits he was disappointed to be booed off by France fans when he was substituted against Belarus last night.

The 25-year-old has come under fire for failing to find the net in his first three Arsenal games and his fruitless run in front of goal continued for France as brought off after an hour.

Didier Deschamps side went on to beat Belarus 3-1 in the World Cup qualifier in Paris but Giroud was left to reflect on another unhappy night.

“I welcomed my position in the starting XI with a lot of enthusiasm and happiness,” said Giroud, who joined the Gunners from Montpellier this summer.

“Being in French team starting XI is always a privilege,” he continued.

“However, I was a little disappointed to be substituted.

“When you are a forward you need time and try to not listen to the fans, above all at Stade de France, where the audience is always a little special.”