Highly-rated French striker Olivier Giroud has admitted that he is unhappy remaining on the bench at the Emirates Stadium and he is not likely to extend his contract when  it expires at the end of 2018.

The 30-year-old star missed the whole of October due to his exploits with France’s at the European Championships, then had to wait another month after he picked up a toe injury.

Giroud came off the bench against Sunderland to help Arsenal secure a win by netting two goals with his first two touches in the second half of the game.

He also played against Bulgarian minnows Ludogorets in the Champions League last week and came on as a pretty ineffectual substitute in the draw with Spurs.

However, it’s no doubt that Alexis Sanchez being relied upon by Arsene Wenger has contributed to Giroud’s decision to confirm that next season will be his last at the Emirates, according to The Sun.

He said as quoted by L’Equipe via the Sun:

“I see my future at Arsenal until the date my contract ends. I feel good here and I want to play at the highest level for as long as possible. I still feel I’ve got the gas to do it. After, for sure I’d prefer to be playing, but it will be for me to find my place. I won’t lie, there have been times I’ve been disappointed and not happy with my situation, but the coach knows that. He’s the one who makes the choices. I have not knocked on Arsene’s office. We’ll see, I’m not worried, my time will come.

“He’s always supported me in the difficult times and I have every confidence he’ll keep doing so. I’ll fight for my place. What’s happening today is the story of my career. It’s endless in football. I’m not the kind of player to give up and to demand things. Even if I don’t play all the matches, I’m sure the coach will use me. We’ll take stock at the end of the season…”