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Olivier Giroud has been warned that he will have to play more regularly – or risk losing his place in the French squad for the European Championships.
Chelsea veteran Giroud, 34, is proving age is no obstacle as he has been in scorching form in the Champions League when his four goals in Seville have scored five goals in his last two European games.
But Giroud admitted that France boss Didier Deschamps has already told him that unless he keeps playing, he might have to consider leaving in January.
World Cup winner Giroud has made it clear that he is desperate to stay at Chelsea and “win trophies” but must start playing more regularly after his streak in Europe.
Giroud, who has yet to start in the Premier League, said: “I had a conversation with Didier Deschamps and of course he said that if the situation remains that way, you will have to make a decision in January.
“But I’m pretty sure I can take a little more playing time and stay at Chelsea because that’s what I want. I want to win trophies with Chelsea.
“So that’s basically it.
(Image: Getty Images)
“But in football you never know: everything is going very quickly. But now I am very happy.
“I am a happy man and I am proud to be a Chelsea player.
“I think that if I play more than at the beginning of the season, I think I have a good chance of being in shape, of being ready for the European Championships.”
(Image: NurPhoto / PA Images)
Giroud has now scored 17 goals in Europe, more than any other Chelsea player since joining the club in 2018, while Frank Lampard’s men are 15 games unbeaten in all competitions.
It was also a record night. Giroud was the first player since Peter Osgood in 1971 to score four goals in one game. The second to score four goals for an English side after Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2004. And the second Frenchman after Bafetimbi Gomis scored four for Lyon in 2011.
But more importantly, it was also a vindication for a player who has always challenged his critics and detractors throughout his career.
Giroud was prolific for Arsenal despite being told he couldn’t score against top-tier opponents, won the World Cup with France in 2018 and has now become crucial for Chelsea as he enjoys a career resurgence at Stamford Bridge.
Giroud said: “People said I have always built on adversity throughout my career.
“But if you haven’t played a lot so far [this season], you have to accept it sadly and you have to work hard at training to show the gaffer that you are ready and give him back his confidence when he asks you to play. I just tried to do it.
“Obviously I’d like to play more, but the best answer when you play a little is not to be sad or not in a good mood – it’s always good.
“I try to do it every single day. I always believe in my qualities and am always calm and confident. I know what I am capable of. Sometimes I need to be more patient, but it’s always nice to show it on the pitch when you have the opportunity. “
Giroud also says he feels almost TEN YEARS younger and in the best shape of his career.
He added: “I feel very good physically. I try to keep myself in good shape and work hard to train every single day and also to set a good example for the guys. I guess it’s not about your age.
“To continue playing football after 30 you have to keep the faith, keep believing that you can always improve. It’s just a psychological barrier. It is only psychological.
“The motivation is still here, the body responds well. So yeah, I feel like I’m 25 to be honest with you.”
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