Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has revealed that he moved to the Premier League because of its intensity.

The 26-year-old Frenchman joined the Gunners from French champions Montpellier last summer.

"That's why I chose this country," he told Arsenal's official website. "There is more intensity, it's more physical and you have to be ready in an athletic way.

"I like it but I like to pass and play one-twos with my teammates like Lukas [Podolski], Santi [Cazorla], Theo [Walcott] and Tomas [Rosicky]. I like to play with these guys and there is a good understanding between us. I feel very nice in the game.

"I had a difficult couple of weeks. I didn't play a lot so I had to keep confident and keep going. It's important to me to score two times in both matches."

Giroud scored twice in Arsenal's 3-2 away win against Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.