Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has insisted that his comments about Olivier Giroud were misunderstood by a number of people.

The club's record goalscorer Henry suggested that the 28-year-old was not "top quality" and questioned his ability to fire the Gunners to Premier League glory next term, which led Giroud to hit back at his fellow Frenchman.

However, Henry says that he only meant to point out that Giroud needed help up front.

"Alexis Sanchez made me believe he can [take Arsenal to the next level]," Henry told Sky Sports News. "But I do believe he needs help. I believe also that Olivier Giroud needs help.

"I said what I said [about Giroud] and people took it a bit the wrong way. When we were winning titles it was because [Nwankwo] Kanu could do a job when I needed a rest.

"Dennis Bergkamp, Sylvain Wiltord was coming sometimes with a hat-trick there, a goal at the end of a game but were not always starters. I think [Arsenal] need another striker - that's what I said the other day - that has other characteristics than Giroud."

Giroud has scored 18 goals in 35 appearances for Arsenal this season.