DOHA: Olive Giroud believes his goalscoring record in France is a great example for young players as it was a reward for his resilience after a career full of ups and downs.
Giroud, 36, surpassed Thierry Henry’s mark by scoring his 52nd goal in 117 appearances for the Blues in their 3-1 World Cup round of 16 win over Poland to become the all-time top scorer in France.
It hasn’t been easy for Giroud, who has rarely been seen as a first choice for his country.
He owes his place in the Qatar squad to the absence of Karim Benzema and will start when the defending champions face England in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Giroud made his Ligue 1 debut for Montpellier aged 24 before winning his first cap for France a year later.
Following last year’s European Championship exit in the round of 16 against Switzerland, Giroud was omitted by coach Didier Deschamps until March.
“This record reminds me of the years that have passed, 11 years with France with lots of good memories and some not so good ones,” said Giroud, who answered questions in French, English and Italian, during a press conference on Tuesday.
“I think the most important thing is to set a good example for young players, to show them that even if the path they are on is not easy, they can do it.
“I wasn’t playing at the highest level when I was 20, so if this can serve as an example that anything is possible, that’s great. It shows that you can’t get everything right away, like young people want. now, that resilience and patience is the key.”
Giroud’s career seemed to be at a standstill but he joined AC Milan in 2021 and was rejuvenated.
“I had to find another challenge for myself. It was a great opportunity for me to play for the great Milan, I wanted to do everything right because I knew I still had a few good years ahead of me,” said Giroud, who has scored 23 goals in 57 appearances for the Rossoneri.
“I was convinced that I could do well and in my first year we won the Scudetto (Italian league title).”
Giroud, 36, surpassed Thierry Henry’s mark by scoring his 52nd goal in 117 appearances for the Blues in their 3-1 World Cup round of 16 win over Poland to become the all-time top scorer in France.
It hasn’t been easy for Giroud, who has rarely been seen as a first choice for his country.
He owes his place in the Qatar squad to the absence of Karim Benzema and will start when the defending champions face England in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Giroud made his Ligue 1 debut for Montpellier aged 24 before winning his first cap for France a year later.
Following last year’s European Championship exit in the round of 16 against Switzerland, Giroud was omitted by coach Didier Deschamps until March.
“This record reminds me of the years that have passed, 11 years with France with lots of good memories and some not so good ones,” said Giroud, who answered questions in French, English and Italian, during a press conference on Tuesday.
“I think the most important thing is to set a good example for young players, to show them that even if the path they are on is not easy, they can do it.
“I wasn’t playing at the highest level when I was 20, so if this can serve as an example that anything is possible, that’s great. It shows that you can’t get everything right away, like young people want. now, that resilience and patience is the key.”
Giroud’s career seemed to be at a standstill but he joined AC Milan in 2021 and was rejuvenated.
“I had to find another challenge for myself. It was a great opportunity for me to play for the great Milan, I wanted to do everything right because I knew I still had a few good years ahead of me,” said Giroud, who has scored 23 goals in 57 appearances for the Rossoneri.
“I was convinced that I could do well and in my first year we won the Scudetto (Italian league title).”
