Joker Giroud pokes fun at England and hails legends in the making

OLIVIER GIROUD had a final joke at England’s expense after claiming France can start a new football revolution.

“I mean, ‘It’s coming home’,” laughed the Chelsea striker. “I had to say that. We deserved it and we wanted to show everyone we could do it.”

For him winning the World Cup was not just about proving France were better than England and the rest, but to show this generation can move on from 1998 legends Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Zinedine Zidane.

Giroud was criticised for ending the tournament goalless, but admitted starting the final was particularly satisfying given the constant questions over whether he is world class and worthy of being at a top club.

He said: “All my career I’ve been through certain difficulties and I’ve always tried to make it – so it motivates me to get better and better.

“When you go through these difficulties, it’s what happens in life when you’re really motivated, determined, committed. It’s never easy.

“Football’s very hard and people see only the nice part of the job. But we work very hard for this achievement and I’m very proud to say I’m a World Cup champion.

“I’ve been criticised a little in the Premier League but in France as well. Because, for example, I didn’t score in the World Cup.

“But I receive a lot of messages from people who know football well. They see the work I do for the team and a lot of people wanted me to score in the final.

“I said, ‘Yes, I hope so, but even if I don’t score and we’re world champions it will be the best thing that’s happened in my life’. I tried to work for the team and I know what I can bring to the team. The same for my teammates. It’s not one or two players or 11 players, it’s 23 and that was the strength of the team.

“We really wanted to do it ourselves after the amazing generation with Zinedine Zidane and other players. We had a bit of pressure but wanted to show everybody we can do it, even if we’re young. It’s a dream come true, a childhood dream.

“It’s been difficult sometimes but it’s a privilege for me to be part of this team. We have been very solid, very strong all the way, and I think it’s well deserved.”

Giroud (above) intends to be back at Stamford Bridge next season despite the uncertainty of a new boss in Maurizio Sarri. “I need some holiday and after that I’ll be at Chelsea,” said Giroud. “But I’ll enjoy this time first.”