“I suffered a lot, but the world did not realize it”

The full program of stage #8 of Ligue 1

World champion (2018), absolute goalscorer (57 goals) and no less than 137 selections. If we were to refer only to these performances, we would certainly say that Olivier Giroud's experience in France's national team was a dream, but things did not stay that way.

In an interview with those at RMC SportLille's striker spoke about the most important moments in his international career, which were the most difficult challenges through the “Les Bleus” shirt, but also what he thinks about a possible return to Didier Deschamps's band. He also addressed the topic Kylian Mbappe, discussing the possibility of Real Madrid's striker exceed his goals.

Olivier Giroud, fan of French fans: “I was accused that benzema is not on the national team because of me”

However, the culmination of the interview was represented by a less happy topic, which many of the lovers of the sport do not have the opportunity to meet so far.

These are the criticisms that Giroud has received over time from his compatriots. The reasons were diverse, from the benefits on the ground, to the extrasport aspects, in which the French argues that it was not even involved.

The most painful moment took place before the 2016 European Championship, a tour that France hosted and reached the last act, but there Deschamps's band gave in to Portugal, score 0-1.

Then, Giroud had an extremely hostile treatment from the supporters “Les Bleus”, who had been bruised and offended him, vehemently asking Karim Benzema's return to the national team. At that time, he crossed a very good time at Real Madrid, but had been excluded from the France's group following a conflict with the coach.

It hurt me enormously, but what could I do in this situation? You can't thank everyone. It was unfair. I suffered, but people did not notice this. Moreover, there were some journalists who claimed that, in fact, Karim did not come to the national team because of me. One thing that wasn't even 1% true.

I am curious what those who accused me would have done if they were in my place. It is easy to throw words, but you have to think that sometimes some words can affect a lot. I admit that I was extremely affected and I suffered a lot on the national team. I was lucky with the coach (no – Didier Deschamps). He always defended me and has always found the perfect ways to motivate me.

Now, looking back, I can say that that period helped me enormously in everything I would do later. It motivated me very hard. Always when I was summoned to the national team, I was going with the desire to be a destroyer, I wanted to show that I could always perform at the highest level. And in the end, this paid off, considering that we managed to become the best scorer in the history of France, but also to win the World Cup. The Russian tournament remains the most beautiful memory of my career.

Olivier Giroud, lifting the World Cup trophy (Russia, 2018) // Photo: Getty Images

Olivier Giroud, about the possibility of Mbappe to overcome him in the top of the markers “Les Bleus”: “It's just a matter of time …”

At the end of the interview, Lille's striker was also asked about a possible return to the national team for the 2026 World Championship, but he said firmly, mentioning that, at this time, there are other more prepared attackers than him who can produce notable performances.

I have no desire to go back. It was an honor for me to play for my country. But now, I think it would need a real crisis for me to come back. At this moment, there are five very good attackers and the coach is based on them.

Of course, if the situation is a dramatic one, I talk about injuries or other unforeseen things here, I can't help but convene, even if I retired, but I hope it is not the case, because the team looks very good now.

Last but not least, the 39-year-old striker also spoke about the possibility of Mbappe in the front of the all-time scorers at the France's national team, being aware that, sooner or later, Real Madrid's footballer will overcome the terminal set by him.

Of course it will compete me. It has at least five, seven or more years to play on the national team. I have 57 goals. He already has 53. What are we talking about here? It's just a matter of time. I think it will overcome me until the World Cup starts (no – laughs).

Kylian is a fabulous player, I remember that we were all impressed when I saw him in Monaco. Then he was just a kid. Now it is at the highest level. I hope to get 100 goals to the national team. It would be great.

– Olivier Giroud, for RMC Sport

Ligue 1 ranking: