The Unwavering Journey of Olivier Giroud: From Adversity to Achievement

Olivier Giroud’s career was built through combat and adversity. In Grenoble, no one believed in him. But he never stopped believing in his lucky star even when Arsenal condemned him to the bench, even when Chelsea no longer wanted him and especially not when Didier Deschamps gave him severe warnings.

The return of Karim Benzema did not prevent him from regaining his place and undoubtedly fulfilling his greatest personal dream: beating Thierry Henry’s goals record for the French team. Basically, Giroud, that day against England, reached this destination that he had set for years.

Olivier Giroud before Euro 2024

Credit: Getty Images

Big brother or even dad

Returning from Qatar as the third top scorer in the competition, the big guy from Isère had also proven to everyone that he could make a difference in a World Cup. He who was unfairly criticized for having lifted the trophy four years earlier without having planted a pawn. Giroud has proven everything he can prove. He has reached the end of the game and if winning the Euro remains a powerful fuel, does he still have the inner fire? The one which allows him, in almost every competition, to come off the bench to take up position.

The question arises at the end of his press conference on Friday. Giroud appeared calm as never before even if, it is understood, he was never very nervous and always a good customer. Today, here he is who poses as a big brother or “dad”, as Kylian Mbappé described him in the columns of Ouest-France. “So much the better, he didn’t say grandpa,” the former Gunner laughed (…). I try to talk, put the young people at ease. I didn’t know Bradley (editor’s note: Barcola), I I try to talk to him, ask him questions about himself, his family, how he feels in Paris.”

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I’m here to accompany Marcus, to help him

At 37, the man who won his tenure by the strength of his character today seems to have made up his mind. He moved behind Marcus Thuram but that doesn’t seem to pose a major problem for him. “He’s an Inter player and it’s not easy for me,” he laughed. “Marcus is like a little brother (…). He’s one of the players who will take over. I’m here to accompany him, help him. There is no spirit of competition between us. Only happiness in being able to help him and give him advice.

From transmission to capitulation, there is only one step. Giroud refused to cross it. “Obviously I prefer to be on the pitch and start the matches,” he corrects. “But I respect the coach’s choices. I feel combative and ready. I’m far from leaving in a cool and Relax.” However, one would swear he is much more peaceful at the twilight of his European career, having already announced his international retirement for July 14 if all goes well.

So how does he approach his final victory lap? “There will be nostalgia, memories but I try not to think about it too much and stay focused.” Did you say resigned?

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2024-06-15 07:59:00
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