Arsenal hero Emmanuel Petit says Didier Deschamps was key to Chelsea signing former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud.

According to Petit, Giroud spoke to Deschamps and was told playing regular football would be key to making the squad.

Petit told Paddy Power: “As for Olivier Giroud, who departed as a direct result of Auba signing, I think he made the decision to leave himself.

“He knows that if he wants to go to the World Cup, he needs to play regularly.

“He spoke with Didier Deschamps over the phone, who told him as much – the France coach will likely only select players who are starting nearly every week.

“I'm certain it was a tough decision for Giroud to make – he really seems to love Arsenal – but that's the way it is.

“In football, things move quickly and you need to adapt."