Olivier Giroud says it was a “big relief” to become France’s all-time record goalscorer as now he can fully focus on downing England in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Giroud scored the opener for France as they beat Poland 3-1 yesterday, taking his tally of international goals to 52 and ahead of previous record holder Thierry Henry.
Ahead of the World Cup much of the talk was centred around Giroud catching Henry, who was two ahead of him, and he is relieved that can now be put to bed so he can fully focus on facing England this Saturday.
“I really wanted to score this goal,” said Giroud. “I was relieved after this goal, he (Kylian Mbappe) gave me a good pass and I finished the job well. A big relief.
“We can move on, forget about this, because so many people were talking about this. Now it is done it is a good thing.”
Giroud has overtaken Henry’s record at the age of 36, but the striker insists he has no plans to slow down as he feels he’s getting better with age.
“Am I getting better, like a fine wine? A lot of friends said the same about that,” said Giroud. “It is funny, I feel good, physically, and I still have the motivation to play at the best level.
“As long as my body allows me I will carry on because I am a competitor and I am enjoying so much the game and this team. I don’t know until when, I don’t want to put any limits.”
