Olivier Giroud, Montpellier

Olivier Giroud revealed what happened on the day he signed for the north Londoners

Arsenal’s new signing Olivier Giroud has revealed the extent that the Gunners go to in order to ensure that he is fit enough to play.

The Frenchman even underwent an MRI scan as part of the medical before putting pen-to-paper on his deal, 36 hours after his national side were dumped out of Euro 2012 by finalists Spain.

“I signed on Monday,” Giroud told Le Progress, “I didn’t want things to drag out and on my return from the Ukraine I left Paris for London on Sunday evening.

“On Monday I underwent medical tests. I’d already done some of the tests with the French team and brought the file with me. In the afternoon I even had an MRI scan. I also visited the facilities. It’s another world.

“It’s true, that I almost signed during the competition. We had an agreement in principle, but I wanted to get out here.

“I’m happy and proud to join this club, I also took pictures and video with different jerseys for their site. And I met Jack Wilshere and Rosicky.”

Giroud has also revealed his delight after the transfer fee the Gunners paid to Montpellier also benefited his first club, Grenoble.

The French side play in the fifth tier after going bankrupt in 2011 and the transfer fee will be a welcome boost.

“I think it’s around €600,000,” Giroud added.

“I was trained there, so it’s really good for them.”