Did You Know? 5 facts about Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud
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Shoot! would like to wish France international and Arsenal star Olivier Giroud many happy returns as the striker celebrates his 31st birthday today!
The birthday boy, who has 66 international caps for his country, has scored two goals in 10 appearances in all competitions for The Gunners so far this season, despite the forward’s game time taking a hit following the arrival of summer signing Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon.
Giroud, who was reportedly close to joining Premier League rivals Everton last month, has failed to start a league game under manager Arsene Wenger so far this term, with Arsenal welcoming newly promoted Brighton and Hove Albion to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (12:00).
Have a good one, @_OlivierGiroud_ pic.twitter.com/FK3Ru1zjjY
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 30, 2017
The Frenchman joined The Gunners back in June 2012 following his reported £9.6 million move from Ligue 1 outfit Montpellier, and has gone onto net exactly 100 goals in 237 games overall for the North London club, winning three FA Cups and three FA Community Shields.
He is 60/1 to finish as the Premier League’s top goalscorer this season, and 66/1 to be crowned PFA Player of the Year.
To celebrate his latest milestone, here is Shoot!‘s five facts you may not know about Giroud…
Grenoble Gem
Arsenal striker Giroud joined Olympic Club de Froges’ academy when he was a youngster, before joining professional club Grenoble at the age of just 13.
He played six seasons in their youth system, before making his professional debut in 2005, going onto score two goals in 24 first-team appearances for the club.
Centurion
Olivier Giroud entered an elite club earlier this week after scoring a penalty in Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over BATE Borisov in the UEFA Europa League.
The 31-year-old became the 19th forward to have netted 100 goals for The Gunners, on his 237th appearance for the club.
However, he has a very long way to go if he wishes to become Arsenal’s all-time top goalscorer, with legend Thierry Henry holding the record with 258 strikes.
League Champion
Giroud scored an impressive 21 goals during the 2011-12 season to inspire Montpellier to their first-ever Ligue 1 title.
He netted 39 times in 85 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 side, before joining Arsenal in the summer of 2012.
Long-Term Team-Mate
Giroud is good friends with fellow Frenchman Laurent Koscielny at Arsenal, but their friendship blossomed well before their respected moves to North London.
Striker Giroud and defender Koscielny were both on the books of then Ligue 2 side Tours during the 2008-09 campaign.
However, it was centre-half Koscielny who arrived in the Premier League first, joining Arsene Wenger’s side in July 2010.
Catholic
Giroud is a Catholic and has a tattoo on his right arm, saying “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”.