Didier Deschamps confirms Olivier Giroud will be France’s starter at the World Cup following Karim Benzema’s injury and teases French journalists who ‘didn’t love’ the Milan striker.
Les Blues make their debut at Qatar 2022 against Australia on Tuesday.
They are without Ballon d’Or winner Benzema who suffered a muscle injury last week. Deschamps hasn’t replaced the Real Madrid star, so Giroud will be the starter at the World Cup.
“Given Karim’s absence, Olivier Giroud will be the starter,” the ex-Juventus midfielder said at a press conference, as quoted by Gianluca Di Marzio.
“The French didn’t love him much, but now everyone adores him, even those who criticised him and I can see a few in this room,” he said, smiling.
“He’s been part of this group for a long time, I consider him a useful striker for his style of play, he is important also when he doesn’t score.”
Giroud is just two goals away from becoming France’s all-time best goalscorer, equalling Thierry Henry’s record.
The Rossoneri forward has scored 49 goals in 114 appearances with his national team and has nine in 19 games across all competitions with Milan this term.
He was the starter in the France squad four years ago, when Les Blues won their second World Cup in Russia.
Giroud’s contract at San Siro expires in the summer, but the Diavoli are soon going to offer him a new one-year deal.