France had a successful international break as they won their two friendlies against the Ivory Coast and South Africa, with Olivier Giroud scoring in both games.
The veteran striker is now closing in on Thierry Henry’s record as the highest scorer in France’s international history as he moved on to 48 goals for his country with a lovely bit of composure in last night’s rout.
It will hopefully be yet another confidence booster for Giroud ahead of what is a huge and crucial end to the season for the Rossoneri as they are top of the league with eight games left plus a Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Inter to come.
Giroud spoke after his France’s victory against South Africa about his contribution, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“I scored again, that’s fine, when I’m on the pitch I always try to give something more. Griezmann gave me a good assist and I managed to turn it into a goal,” he said.
“I’m happy, let’s continue like this and then I got even closer to Henry’s record; I have it in my head, but it’s not an obsession, if I have to pass the ball I do it without problems: I think first to the collective and to the good of the group, then the record will come.”
Another Milan player who starred in the win was Mike Maignan, as he kept a clean sheet on his debut as a starter.
“I felt so many emotions because among other things I was playing at home, in Lille where I had good years and playing with the French national team is always special. It was a beautiful evening, a pleasant moment that I will bring with me, as well as the victory and my debut as a starter in the national team,” he said.
