Arsenal’s French striker Olivier Giroud says criticism of his play has irritated him but insists it’s still been a “super season”.

Giroud netted 19 times during the campaign despite being sidelined for three months with a broken leg.

His tally included a late goal in the Gunners’ 4-0 FA Cup final win over Aston Villa at Wembley last weekend.

Despite being among the goals the 28-year-old has come in for criticism, the fiercest of all following a disappointing personal performance as Arsenal lost 3-1 at home to Monaco in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry claimed manager Arsene Wenger needs to sign "a top, top-quality striker in order to win this league again" after the goalless draw with Chelsea in April.

Henry has since clarified his remarks, saying instead "Olivier Giroud needs help”.

Either way, Giroud is not particularly bothered about the flak he’s taken.

Speaking ahead of France’s international against Belgium at the weekend, Giroud said: “It is part of the game. I will never win unanimous support.

"Apparently Titi (Henry) corrected himself recently, he said that he was thinking about competition, that he wanted Arsenal to have many strikers who can score goals.

"He was a little brutal at the time, so it caused a fuss, but that is what he's asked to do as a pundit and I didn't lose any sleep over it.

"Of course, it hurts your pride, it brings into question the work you do every day.

"It irritates you, and I was a little annoyed, but I quickly put it behind me.”

The French international said he had no issues with Wenger's decision to leave him out of the FA Cup starting line-up and overall was happy with his season.

He added: "I had three difficult months. It was the first time I had been injured for so long, there was a lot of work to do, I had to be patient, work harder.

"Some people said that I came back stronger. I did some good work to get back in shape, re-boosted and balanced physically.

"After that, I was very clinical and had good fortune. I had very good statistics in spite of a little drought at the end of the season.

"It's still a super season, and is great to end with a trophy."