Olivier Giroud has revealed he was close to leaving Arsenal for Everton in the summer transfer window.
The Toffees were chasing the France international striker and moved into pole position despite Lyon and Marseille wanting to take Giroud back to Ligue 1.
After mulling his options for several weeks, Giroud decided he wanted to stay at Arsenal and still believes he made the right call.
But Giroud does admit he came close to agreeing to swap the Emirates Stadium for Goodison Park.
The striker told Canal Plus: "I had the opportunity to leave [Arsenal]. I was very close to another English club, Everton.
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"But I think I made the best choice."
Giroud also insists that his snubbing of Lyon and Marseille was not down to a lack of respect and says a return to France is possible at some point.
The Frenchman further admitted he grew up a Marseille supporter.
"I have a lot of respect for Marseille, I was a fan for years.
"When I was little, [Jean-Pierre] Papin, [Chris] Waddle, etc.
"I also have a lot of respect for Lyon, who also had an interest at one point.
"I did not want to come back to France.
"I am happy in England, it's nothing against these clubs.
"But a return to France is possible one day", Giroud added.
The 31-year-old has made eleven appearances for the Gunners this season, scoring two goals, and will be keen to clock up regular game time to book his spot in the France squad for the World Cup next summer.
