France Icon Giroud on England, Milan, Mbappe and Current Form

Olivier Giroud has been lighting up the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, surpassing French legend Thierry Henry in the all-time goalscorers list with his 52nd strike against Poland in the Round of 16. The former Arsenal striker is in the form of his life, now scoring three goals already in as many appearances at the grand event.

France face England next and Giroud believes his team have all it takes to make it to the semi-finals, with a potential clash against Portugal or Morocco.

Giroud spoke to the press in his pre-match press conference (via MilanNews) and shed light on a plethora of topics, including his future at Milan and his current form, among other things.

“We know our qualities, we will face a great team like England. I think we have done very well since the tournament started. We are strong together; we have a great team spirit, like a family.”

On the back of the Scudetto win last season, the 36-year-old thinks he can help the Rossoneri build upon that for greater titles.

“When I arrived in Milan it was the right time to have another challenge, Milan gave me a great opportunity. I still have good years ahead of me. I can still do good things, everything is decided on the pitch. We are champions of Italy, but we want to do even more. I feel comfortable in Milan.”

When quizzed who the best striker in the world is, the veteran named two of his teammates.

“I think of Ibrahimovic, he named me the best striker in the World Cup. Really, I don’t know, I can’t say who is the strongest. For me the strongest winger is Kylian Mbappé, but he is not a real number 9. I can’t name one in particular.”

Giroud surpassed Henry as France’s all-time scorer with a 52nd strike – a record he believes was worthwhile despite the struggle he has had to face.

 “This record reminds me of all the years spent, 11 years in the national team, between ups and downs, but the most important thing is to set a good example for young people, in everyday life. You can’t have everything right away. If you believe in your qualities, you can move mountains.”

Finally, he spoke of his scintillating form at the moment.

“I feel very well, I continue to have an interesting level at 36 years old. Someone once told me that we are all 20 years old, the rest is experience. I play as if I were 20 years old, with the mentality of a young man. I am hungry for competition, for goals, for victories. My body seems to bear it, I have no limits, I want to show young people that you have to be patient in a career.“

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