Olivier Giroud hopes to observe Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s lead by taking part in at an elite degree for a number of extra years, as he targets a spot in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
Giroud discovered the online as Milan claimed a 3-2 victory over rivals Inter on Saturday, his thirteenth purpose in simply 25 Serie A begins for the Rossoneri.
The 35-year-old signed an preliminary two-year contract when he made the transfer to Italy in July 2021, however is eager to play on past the top of this season and has been impressed by the starvation of his fellow Milan striker Ibrahimovic.
Chatting with Telefoot, Giroud mentioned: “I nonetheless have the motivation and willpower. I believe the way of thinking is essential at my age.
“I wish to proceed, however provided that my physique will enable me.
“I used to be discussing it with Ibra. For him it’s the identical, Zlatan remains to be hungry.”
Ibrahimovic, 40, scored eight instances as Milan ended an 11-year anticipate the Scudetto final season, having additionally plundered 14 objectives in 29 appearances when the Rossoneri had been final topped champions of Italy in 2010-11.
Merely, Olivier. #SempreMilan #MilanInter #ACMilanIsForever pic.twitter.com/DWK7ERKKMv
— AC Milan (@acmilan) September 3, 2022
Whereas Milan’s Scudetto triumph represented Giroud’s first league title since profitable Ligue 1 with Montpellier in 2011-12, his trophy haul features a 2018 World Cup win with France.
Giroud, who’s simply three objectives wanting matching Thierry Henry as essentially the most prolific participant in Les Bleus’ historical past, has scored two worldwide objectives in 2022, and is eager to characteristic at his third World Cup later this 12 months.
“I don’t know something actually, additionally as a result of I’m not the coach. However clearly it have to be a purpose,” he mentioned.
“With my historical past with France, having the possibility to play a 3rd World Cup is an opportunity. I believe, if that was not a purpose, it will be nonsense.
“The primary purpose is each day life with Milan, France remains to be a bonus.
“If I’m world champion for the second time, I should do one thing somewhat loopy, [like] shave my beard!”
In the meantime, Giroud is ready to be reunited with one among his former golf equipment subsequent month, with Milan travelling to Chelsea within the Champions League on October 5.
The striker retains a lot affection for the membership and believes he’ll obtain a optimistic reception at Stamford Bridge, including: “I hope for a heat welcome from Chelsea in London. I left the Blues on good phrases, like all my different golf equipment.
“Returning to play with Milan at Stamford Bridge is nice. I believe it will likely be an excellent second.”
