Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud believes his relationship with Arsenal fans remains rock solid after leaving last month.

Speaking with France Football, Giroud is hopeful the majority of the Gunners support understands his reasons.

"And the Gunners fans, how did they react? I must have surprised more than one. But the real fans will understand my choice, even if it is to wear the colours of a rival," said Giroud.

"Did I have time to greet them? A little. On Swansea's match day (January 31), the coach told me he would not make me play under the circumstances. Coming back from Swansea, I had to jump in a taxi to sign for Chelsea. It felt late. But that's not the end I was hoping for. I would have preferred to say goodbye properly. "Fortunately, I still could greet some of the supporters. At Swansea, at the warm-up, they sang my song, they too felt it was the end."