A VINTAGE START HAS GIROUD ON TOP FORM

OLIVIER GIROUD believes he is maturing like a fine French wine – but at the age of 36 he insists he’s still got plenty of sparkle.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker has his sights set on becoming his nation’s record goalscorer after equalling holder Thierry Henry’s tally of 51.

Giroud struck twice in a superb demonstration of the centre-forward’s art as France opened the defence of theWorld Cup with a 4-1 thrashing of Australia on Tuesday night.

Now he wants the record for himself after warning he has not even thought about putting the cork back in the bottle.

“It means a lot to be alongside Thierry Henry as France’s top goalscorer,” said Giroud, who was only a late inclusion in Didier Deschamps’ squad for Qatar.

“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be next to Thierry. It is an unbelievable feeling – and we couldn’t have hoped for a better start.

“But I aim to play football for as long as my body will allow me. I am a competitor and I still have all of my hunger. I feel very good. Some of my friends have told me I’m like a fine wine.”

Giroud, above, failed to score despite getting 546 minutes of action as France won theWorld Cup in Russia four years ago.

He was only on the fringes of left out of Deschamps’ plans at last year’s Euros, but an injury to Real Madrid talisman Karim Benzema this month secured his return to the starting line-up.

Giroud’s goals for France have come in 115 caps – eight fewer than it took Henry.

His reputation in England was of a target man who took the strain for his team-mates, rather than a prolific goalscorer.

But he won the FA Cup four times during his time in London and was part of the Chelsea squad that lifted the Champions League in 2021 before departing to AC Milan, where he won the Serie A title last season.

France had to recover from a goal down before their quality told against the Socceroos.

Giroud said: “It was massively important to win this first game.

“We didn’t start the game in the best way, but we’ve shown great team character.

“When I get the opportunity I always try to put the ball in the back of the net – and this time I couldn’t miss, because I received great service.”