Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud has told Stadium Astro that he has heard some of the disrespectful comments directed towards him throughout his career and feels he is under-rated as a player.
The target-man striker has divided opinions among fans and pundits alike since he settled in England almost nine years ago, with his status a constant hot topic of debate.
Giroud completely consented to the fact his critics do not value him or his abilities, and says this disapproval is simply part of the job.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, everybody gets disrespected, every single player,” the £18 million striker (Goal) admitted. “There is nobody who will be praised by everybody. You know it’s part of football, of the game.”
Giroud’s statistics and records are remarkable considering the doubt constantly cast over his position. He is Chelsea’s top scorer this season with nine, and the third highest scoring Frenchman in Premier League history behind Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka.
He has excelled not only for club, but for country, receiving 105 caps, pitting him one behind Zinedine Zidane whilst inching ever closer to Henry’s all-time record.
His achievements are exemplary and many have recognised his worth, believing he goes unnoticed during discussions of the game’s elite forwards. One of those to identify this is Giroud himself, confessing, “Maybe sometimes I’m underrated.”
At 34-years-old, Giroud is wise and wily enough to ignore the outside distractions and focus on the task that really matters, scoring goals and winning football matches.
“The most important is the numbers and for a striker, that’s what matters,” he continued. “As long as I’m efficient and decisive for the team and for Le Blues, and make my family proud, the rest I can’t see it.”
Chronicle View
I am certainly in the Giroud supporter’s society and have been ever since he set foot on English shores.
His technique is so seamless and satisfying, but destructive at the same time, which makes him a joy to watch.
There are definitely some observers that still can’t see his talent. To those people, I send my sincere condolences.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
