‘You could see he was made for a managerial career’ – Giroud ahead of Arsenal and Arteta reunion

Olivier Giroud has praised Mikel Arteta for the job he has done at Arsenal ahead of Lille’s Champions League clash with the Gunners.

The former Arsenal striker, now with the French side, says Arteta’s success as a manager comes as no surprise having seen his leadership qualities first-hand when they were team-mates in north London.

“Mikel is a great person, a great manager and he has shown that with the team he has built,” Giroud said.

“The Premier League title proves he has done incredible work, and he was given the time which was very important.”

Giroud believes Arteta always looked destined for management because of the standards he set during his playing career.

“I remember Mikel as a player, and you could see he was made for a managerial career because he was a leader on the pitch, but off it, too,” he said.

“He was very demanding with himself, and his team-mates and great technically.”

Giroud added that he has fond memories of playing alongside Arteta and is looking forward to facing his former club.

“I really enjoyed my time with him,” he said.

“We won a few trophies together and it is a blessing to come back here and play against his team.”