Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud believes his debut Premier League season has been better than that of Thierry Henry and Didier Drogba.
Giroud has notched 17 goals in all competitions for Arsene Wenger's side this season, surpassing the 16 notched by Drogba in his maiden campaign in England but falling some way short of Henry's 26-goal haul.
The France international admits he has felt the pressure of filling Robin van Persie's boots since moving to the Emirates Stadium, but maintained that some criticism of his performances has been unfair, given his statistics.
He told Le10 Sport: "I replaced Van Persie and when you arrive at a big club like that, they are very demanding towards you.
"The criticism has not always been deserved, but they push you on.
"17 goals and 11 assists - that is better than Henry and Drogba in their first seasons. This is the quality I have. I have got better with this team and this staff - it is another level. And I want to continue to improve."
The 26-year-old went on to reveal he had been targeted by Bayern Munich before the Bavarian side opted to sign Mario Mandzukic after the Croatian scored three goals in as many games at Euro 2012.
Giroud also distanced himself from rumours of a move to Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season, and claimed that Arsene Wenger is unlikely to join the Parc des Princes outfit, either.
"My agent spoke to them and it was approved by people at Bayern," Giroud explained.
"But they wanted to wait for the Euros and (Mario) Mandzukic had a great Euros. To be pursued by Bayern, it is good. PSG? They are clearly very attractive but I am happy where I am.
"We are going to finish the season and then take stock.
"If we qualify for the Champions League, I don’t see why he (Wenger) should leave. He built the club and made it grow. Arsenal is where it is because of him.
"He still has a year left and he wants to finish things. He will make his decision in good time. This is not the the time to talk about him leaving."
