• Premier League

Giroud: I can't replace Van Persie

ESPN staff
August 24, 2012
Olivier Giroud joined Arsenal for £13 million this summer © PA Photos
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Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud insists he is too different a player to Robin van Persie to be considered a direct replacement.

France international Giroud, a £13 million arrival from Montpellier this summer, carries a greater physical threat than Van Persie, and is expected to add a different dimension to the Gunners' attack.

Giroud missed a glorious chance to open his account in the 0-0 draw with Sunderland last weekend, firing wide having been played through by fellow new boy Santi Cazorla.

However, Giroud is confident that he will make an impact in the Premier League sooner rather than later.

"I am not here to replace Van Persie or to make people forget him," Giroud said in the Sun. "I am here to bring something different. I don't have the pretension of saying I will replace him because I have every respect for him as he had an enormous season last year.

"I wish him good luck for the future but I need to bring what I can bring without being pretentious to say I am here to replace him. That would be very bad.

"I feel ready. Absolutely ready to assume the responsibility and make people say, 'Yes, we have Olivier'. That's how it is. If you sign for a big club it's to replace another striker who leaves or you come and sit on the bench and wait for some game-time or wait until a striker is less efficient, needs a breather or is injured.

"Unfortunately that's how it is football. Now I have a chance as Robin left. So I will get more time to play and I need to assume the responsibility. In fact, I must. Because that is my chance and I have to take it. The ball is in my court and the show must go on."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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