COMING FOR YOU, HENRY!
Giroud’s ton-up double closes gap on record
OLIVIER OLIVIE GIROUD is in hot pursuit of Thierry Henry’s France scoring record after marking his 100th cap c with a double against Ukraine. Ukraine
The Chelsea forward overtook Michel Platini’s mark of 41 to become the second highest scorer in the history of Les Bleus.
The 2018 World Cup winner now has 42 goals – nine behind the record of 51 set by Arsenal legend Henry.
And Giroud, 34, s shows no sign of retiring t from international tion football with the Euros rescheduled r to next summer and then the World Cup in Q Qatar starting in November vember 2022.
“Obvi “Obviously, I feel a huge pride,” said Giroud, who moved from f the Emirates to Stamfor Stamford Bridge in January 2018. It’s a great honour and
I’m very happy that it turned out like this. It was bound to be emotional. It’s a friendly match, but it was still my 100th, so I’m very happy for me and for the team too, we showed very good things.
“Now we’re going to look upwards, without setting any limits, I hope to continue like this.
“We have to set goals. It’s a little early to say I will set a new record – we’ll see when I may be at 46-47 goals!”
After France beat Ukraine 7- 1, Giroud revealed he had been inspired by Ukrainian coach and former Chelsea striker Andrei Shevchenko.
“He was one of my favourite players – if not my favourite player – when I was young,” added Giroud.
“I said hello after the match – he comes to Chelsea from time to time. I had even asked for a signed shirt because I am such a big fan. It means a lot to me.”
Giroud, who made his France debut aged 25 in 2011, was promoted to captain for the evening by France boss Didier Deschamps. “I am very happy for Olivier, who has always been very important for the France team,” said the former Chelsea midfielder.
“He was among the players who started the adventure in 2012 with me.
“It is also for that I gave him the armband.
“It was a very beautiful evening.”