Olivier Giroud reflects on 'one of best seasons'

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has insisted that 2015-16 ranks as one of the best seasons of his career.

The 29-year-old scored 16 times for the Gunners in the Premier League last term but had a 15-game goal drought between January and May, prompting criticism from some sections of the Arsenal support.

"I remind you that the season does not start in January 2016 even if it suits certain people who come down on me by counting certain periods rather than others," Giroud told L'Equipe.

"A striker has to be judged by his consistency. I had six very good months and the months after were a bit more complicated. It is one of the best seasons of my career."

Giroud is also a divisive figure among supporters of his national side and was booed by some French fans during a friendly with Cameroon earlier this week.

"I no longer really pay attention but I hear certain comments," he added. "I am a human being, I prefer to hear nice things about me. But who does everyone agree about nowadays? I will always be criticised.

"Maybe because I came through by a different route. I came via the National league, Ligue 2, Ligue 1. I didn't have everything straight away. People speak too because I have a thankless role. For a striker, it is double edged. When things go well, you are the best and when you score less, you are immediately targeted.

"There is a media frenzy around me because I am competition to Karim [Benzema]. There are those who are pro-Karim and those pro-Giroud. There is nothing I can do about it."

Before moving to London in 2012, Giroud had stints with French sides Montpellier (Ligue 1), Tours (Ligue 2) and Istres (Championnat National).