Olivier Giroud does not hide his happiness and pleasure to be back with the national team of France. He was called up to replace Real Madrid's star Karim Benzema.
The AC Milan centre-forward talked to L'Equipe in this way:
"How am I experiencing my return? Like the fact that anything is always possible. You just have to believe in it and give yourself the means. I'm super happy to be at Clairefontaine. Nothing has changed in my pride and my determination to wear the blue jersey."
"I never closed the door. I never announced my international retirement. So that means that I continued to believe in it! Especially when you wear a jersey like that of AC Milan, you stay competitive and you score with this big club and you are at the top of Serie A. The coach knows the requirements of this Championship."
What do you feel, after all that was said about you during after the Euros competition:
"All of this is behind me. I take this return as a gift, a bonus in my career. I knew that if I performed well with Milan, I could keep the door ajar. That's what I had in the back of my mind. But it wasn't an obsession. This call-up to the national team is result of my work at Milan."
Is AC Milan the best choice for you?
"I have always had this chance to always make the right choices. Undeniably, AC Milan is one of the best decisions."
Giroud on his relationship with Didier Deschamps after the Euros competition...
"The coach had sent me a message for my birthday (September 30). I believe it was the day before his list for the Nations League Final 4. We remembered. Since then, there hadn't been much. Until that last phone call last Saturday."
"He left me a message before our game in Cagliari (1-0) . He asked me to call him back before the siesta. I was pleasantly surprised."
Did you have the time to meet one on one with the coach?
"We had planned this discussion for Monday evening. But we celebrated the birthday of '' Ninou '' ( Antoine Griezmann) . And it lasted! We took advantage of it. We were among ourselves, happy to meet again. It felt good. The coach felt it."
Do you want this interview to put things straight?
"We have never spoken to each other in person since the Euro. Even if a lot of things have already been digested, there is this need to talk between responsible adults. I accepted certain things, I always went ahead. The coach knows my state of mind. He knows that I am fresh, available and always 200% with the France team. I always told myself that there would be better days through hard work, self-sacrifice and perseverance. I will be happy to have this discussion with the coach. I will listen to what he still has to say to me."
Are you ready for the super-sub role?
"We'll see what we say to each other and what the future holds. For the moment, I do not project myself further than these 2 matches. But I will always be present and available for selection. There is a second world champion title to go for. I am competitive with AC Milan. So, as I've always said, anything is possible. We'll see what will happen."
There is the impression that if Benzema is called up, then you won't be selected...
"That's why we have to talk to the coach. Everything is facilitated by communication. I need him to tell me what he expects of me. This is the main thing. But he knows that I always want to bring my stone to the building."
In which system do you play, with Benzema or with Mbappé?
"I am ready to deal with everyone and in all systems. We are all great professionals. (He laughs) I'm like a chameleon. I adapt! The important thing is to be in the best of moods. I am convinced that, whatever the tactical system is or whoever the players are, there is a lot of talent to continue to have great ambitions."
These friendlies vs Cote d'ivoire and South Africa are a great opportunity to get close to Thierry Henry's record (51 goals):
"It's a goal as a competitor, like the World Cup. Obviously a second world title is a dream. Like breaking the ''old'' record! (He smiles)."
You're 35, Benzema is 34 and you play with Ibrahimovic who is 40, the 'old' players seem still fresh...
"This situation with Zlatan at Milan is a chance. This is what drives us to surpass ourselves. He is like a big brother in the locker room because he pushes you further. It's good for everyone to have that kind of competition and personality in a team. Competition has always boosted me. Whether in club or selection, it is necessary."
Giroud on playing with Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez... AC Milan have never been so well represented with the French team...
"It proves that the great Milan is back! Now, we must end this season with a title. But it's true that it's a nice wink and a great reward to have three Milanese in the France team."
