FRANCE’S “big brother” Olivier Giroud hopes he’s not in big bother after a worrying injury in World Cup training.
Medical staff sprayed the leg of the sombre-faced striker, 36, after he was grounded during practice in Doha.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea star has been revelling in his role as the French squad’s elder statesman and says he’s treating the tournament like an eager youngster as it will surely be his last.
And the sight of 2018 winner Giroud needing treatment this close to France’s opener against Australia next Tuesday will concern many.
The defending champions will be anxious not to lose any more big names after midfielders N’Golo Kante, Christopher Nkunku and Paul Pogba missed out on Qatar through injury.
Giroud’s knock comes just as AC Milan’s 114-cap ace explained how “hungry” he remains on the biggest stage.
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He said: “I have my role as a big brother for the younger players to be available to them and to speak when it is needed and to motivate the team and keep them together.
“I treat it like a young player because I want to enjoy every single moment.”
Giroud is only two goals adrift of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s 51-goal haul as France’s top scorer ever.
And he added: “I have this target and bonus in my head to beat Thierry but the main goal of the team is to go as far as we can in the competition.
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“Hopefully we can bring the Cup home. To get another would be amazing. I am still hungry. I feel physically good and am very happy with my team and my club.
“To be 36 and to still be able to feel good and play like this is a gift and I hope to be able to continue like this. Maybe it could be my last competition but I am not announcing anything.
“We will see after the World Cup. As long as my body will allow it, I won’t fix any limits.
“With my age I know I am closer to the end of my career than the beginning but I am still very motivated.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
