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Cape Town - Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud admitted that he was eager for his French international teammate Moussa Sissoko to join the Gunners in the recently-concluded transfer window.
Following an impressive Euro 2016 in his homeland, Sissoko - who was on the books of Newcastle United at the time - was linked with moves to various prominent clubs, but ultimately made the move to Tottenham on transfer deadline day.
Sissoko had previously claimed to be an Arsenal fan when he was a youngster, but the Gunners opted against making a move for the 27-year-old, instead signing Granit Xhaka from Borussia Mönchengladbach.
"I told him (Sissoko) to give Arsenal the priority. It’s true it was special denouement," Giroud told the media while on international duty with the French team.
"Until the end he didn’t know what he’ll do. It’s good for him. I think it was quite a long month for him so it’s good that something could have happened even in the very last moments. It’s great for him."
Despite the heated rivalry between the two north-London giants, Giroud had plenty of kind words to say about Spurs.
"Tottenham is a great team in our league. Obviously we all wanted for him (Sissoko) after his good Euro and great performances, that he joins a Premier League club," Giroud continued.
"In the Premier League Tottenham are an opponent for the trophy this year. I hope he will not be in good conditions against us."
France take on Belarus on Tuesday night after which Giroud and Sissoko will return to their respective clubs for next week round of Premier League matches. Arsenal take on Southampton at the Emirates Stadium while Spurs travel Stoke City.
France face Belarus on Tuesday night in a World Cup qualifier before Giroud and Sissoko return to north London for Premier League action.
Following an impressive Euro 2016 in his homeland, Sissoko - who was on the books of Newcastle United at the time - was linked with moves to various prominent clubs, but ultimately made the move to Tottenham on transfer deadline day.
Sissoko had previously claimed to be an Arsenal fan when he was a youngster, but the Gunners opted against making a move for the 27-year-old, instead signing Granit Xhaka from Borussia Mönchengladbach.
"I told him (Sissoko) to give Arsenal the priority. It’s true it was special denouement," Giroud told the media while on international duty with the French team.
"Until the end he didn’t know what he’ll do. It’s good for him. I think it was quite a long month for him so it’s good that something could have happened even in the very last moments. It’s great for him."
Despite the heated rivalry between the two north-London giants, Giroud had plenty of kind words to say about Spurs.
"Tottenham is a great team in our league. Obviously we all wanted for him (Sissoko) after his good Euro and great performances, that he joins a Premier League club," Giroud continued.
"In the Premier League Tottenham are an opponent for the trophy this year. I hope he will not be in good conditions against us."
France take on Belarus on Tuesday night after which Giroud and Sissoko will return to their respective clubs for next week round of Premier League matches. Arsenal take on Southampton at the Emirates Stadium while Spurs travel Stoke City.
France face Belarus on Tuesday night in a World Cup qualifier before Giroud and Sissoko return to north London for Premier League action.
