In his nation's opening match against Australia, AC Milan’s Olivier Giroud scored twice and now stands equal with Thierry Henry as France’s all-time leading goalscorer with 51 goals. And with France going strong in Qatar, it seems inevitable that the Milan striker will go out alone as France’s record goalscorer before he heads back to Italy.
Serie A has given Giroud a new lease on life
Since leaving the English Premier League in 2021, Giroud seems to have found a new lease on life. Last season he won Serie A with Milan, and when he left for Qatar, he had found the net 16 times in 42 matches for his new club.
He’s taken this form onto the international stage, scoring twice against Australia in his team’s opening group match. His nation, France, is currently priced at odds of +500 to win the World Cup, and if his team beat Poland, they will face the winner of England’s clash with Senegal. In the England vs Senegal odds, Gareth Southgate’s team is the favorite to win, so there is a more than decent chance Giroud will find himself up against some friends and foes from his old days in the Premier League.
Just wait pic.twitter.com/Wj6EZEN0gv
— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) November 3, 2022
Over in Qatar, Giroud just needs to look across to the Portugal World Cup squad to see 37-year-old Ronaldo, and 39-year-old Pepe still playing at the top level. Brazil also has Dani Alves at the ripe old age of 39 in their squad, although he looks set to play a bit-part role.
All these guys can serve as inspiration for Giroud, and should encourage him that he can keep going at the top level for some time yet - hopefully winning more trophies with Milan. They are a great example of what can be achieved if you look after yourself and avoid injuries.
