Perhaps the most romantic story Arsenal’s Champions League draw has thrown up is Olivier Giroud making his return to the Emirates this week.It’s unlikely the 40-year-old will start on Tuesday, but if he comes off the bench, what reception will he receive?If it’s mixed, that might be fitting, as it would sum up his reputation in North London.Many Gooners (like myself) feel the striker’s qualities were more appreciated after he left.At the time, the Frenchman was sold with little fanfare, most of the fanbase content for him to leave if it meant Aubameyang arrived.Since then, the Frenchman has lifted a World Cup, Champions League, Europa League and Serie A title. This is added to the three FA Cups he earned as a Gunner.His legacy to me will be a player who made a living out of proving people wrong.How can you not admire a man who maximised everything he did to get the very best out of his career?There are far more talented names who played the sport who don’t have his CV.Did Arsenal fans appreciate Giroud enough?Some of my peers won’t forget his celebration on a Chelsea coach in Baku after the Europa League Final.Let’s look at it from a human point of view.You’re not appreciated at your workplace, so you go elsewhere and not just prove your worth, but do so at the expense of those who disrespected you.I have heard at stadiums and read online some horrible abuse aimed at Giroud.Unfortunately, he was one of the faces of a very toxic time for our supporters, when fan channels became the norm and everyone needed a scapegoat.This was an era where YouTubers would shout down a camera and see how many swear words they could use, with Giroud often the target.I think if he has to take it, it’s only fair he gives it back.The forward was only ever guilty of being asked to lead the line on his own at a time when Mr Wenger chose not to bring in a proven goalscorer. That wasn’t his fault.Getty imagesGiroud deserves respect on his Emirates returnAs a Plan B, he was one of the best. No man scored more as a substitute than Giroud did for Arsenal, and for years after he departed, I think we missed him as an alternative option.I’ve argued before that Giroud was one of Arsenal’s most underrated players, and I stand by that.Mr Wenger warned in his final years as manager that a section of supporters were in danger of undermining the principles he had helped build.Mikel Arteta has sought to restore those standards.I don’t think all Gooners treated Giroud with class.Let’s do that this week.Dan SmithGooners, what reception do you think Giroud deserves when he returns to the Emirates? Join the debate in the Just Arsenal comments below._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsOpinion: Does Olivier Giroud Deserve a Hero’s Welcome at Arsenal?13 October 2026, 11:15“Ready to go” Gabriel says Arsenal is ready for another Champions League run13 October 2026, 10:30“It’s not ideal, but” Arteta defends Arsenal’s training following injuries13 October 2026, 9:00The post Opinion: Does Olivier Giroud Deserve a Hero’s Welcome at Arsenal? appeared first on Just Arsenal News.