First words: Olivier Giroud wants to win trophies again and again at Chelsea

Olivier Giroud’s first interview is up on Chelsea TV (unfortunately not available on either YouTube or Facebook so I cannot embed it), and it largely follows the usual script for new signings, though with the one big difference being that we’re all quite familiar with Giroud and he’s quite familiar with Chelsea, including many of the players (all the French and French-speaking players especially, plus David Luiz because everyone knows David Luiz).

In case we needed a refresher, Chelsea’s newest no.9x2 describes himself as the ideal target man ready to make Conte’s tactics hum once again.

“My hold-up play, my link-up play and my efficiency in front of goal. That’s not bad! My team spirit, too. My mental strength as well is good, because you go through difficulties sometimes in a season and you have to be strong and try to keep the strong team cohesion. I will be here to help the team with that.”

Chelsea could certainly use a few strong minds and characters at this point, and while Giroud’s 250 games for Arsenal may not immediately make him an obvious candidate in that regard, he assures that his drive towards a new sporting challenge and many trophies is unfailing.

“The first reason [for deciding to move to Chelsea] is the sporting challenge. That has always been my first priority. Everything is here for me to be happy.”

“My ambition is to win some trophies. That’s why I am playing football. I am a competitor and I want to win again and again.”

-Olivier Giroud; source: Chelsea FC

Giroud speaks highly of Conte, coming away impressed from their initial chats — “ felt like he really wanted me and he really wanted to work with me” — and while watching him on the touchline interact with his players — “I don’t know him very well but I like the positive energy he brings from the side of the pitch, always supporting his players, talking to them”.

Giroud had the misfortunate to watch his teams lose on two consecutive nights, as Arsenal succumbed to Swansea 3-1 and then Chelsea lost to Bournemouth 3-0. At least he’ll rest assured that it can’t get much worse than that.

Welcome, Big Sexy. Let’s win some things.