Olivier Giroud has admitted that it is frustrating to have uncertainty surrounding his role in the French national team, especially given that he keeps scoring big goals.
The Frenchman has already scored 4 goals in 7 league games, equalling his previous best starts with Montpellier (2011-12 season) and Arsenal (2013-14). The goal he scored in the Nations League match against Austria on Thursday night means Giroud has become the oldest ever goal scorer in France’s history, at 35 years and 357 days.
Not only that, but it was goal number 49 for his country which means he is two away from matching the all-time leader, Thierry Henry, so it would be fair to say he has been hit by a second wave of youth.
Giroud gave an interview to Telefoot a few hours before the final Nations League group game against Denmark, a game which he is expected to start from the bench, with his comments relayed by Calciomercato.com.
“I’m having a lot of fun and I think you saw it against Austria. I’m at the coach’s disposal, I am fully inside the team. Scoring a goal is nice, it means that even with advanced age one is still there. I always have this desire to bring a little added value to the team. I don’t know if I will equal Henry, but in any case I’m getting close to him and he’s a huge pride,” he said.
Despite his excellent form at club level and his history of contributing for France, there is still uncertainty about whether he will be on the plane for the World Cup in Qatar.
“I am available to the coach, I am at the disposal of the team. I feel that I am one of them, like my team-mates. If the coach feels he needs me, I will be there. He knows how I think. Now, as he says, there are things that evolve and others that do not.
“The doubt remains. Is it frustrating to live with this uncertainty? Yes… But again, it is the field that takes precedence. I’m focused on what I have to do on the pitch and Deschamps will decide.”
