SHOOT would like to wish Olivier Giroud many happy returns as the France international striker celebrates his 32nd birthday this evening!

The Chelsea forward, who has 83 international caps for his country, is yet to score for the Premier League club in all competitions so far this season, having been restricted to just two league starts under new manager Maurizio Sarri.

Giroud, who lifted the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France in Russia earlier this summer, has netted five goals in 24 outings overall for The Blues since arriving at Stamford Bridge from London rivals Arsenal back in January for a reported fee of £18m.

Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud.

The Frenchman scored 105 times in 253 appearances in all competitions for The Gunners between 2012 and 2018, following his £9.6m arrival from Montpellier, where he won three FA Cups and three FA Community Shields under legendary manager Arsene Wenger.

Giroud has already got his hands on the FA Cup again, this time in a Blues shirt, after helping defeat Manchester United in the 2018 final back in May, after he had scored with a fine finish against Southampton in their semi-final clash.

So to celebrate his birthday, here are SHOOT‘s five facts you may not know about Chelsea striker Giroud…

Italian Descent

Despite having 83 international caps for France, and helped the country defeat Croatia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final earlier this summer, Giroud is in fact of Italian descent through both of his grandmothers.

Grenoble Gem

Former Arsenal star Giroud.

The centre forward 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 on to score two goals in 24 first-team appearances for the club.

Giroud went on to secure transfers to Tours (2008), Montpellier (2010) and then Arsenal (2012).

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.

How he would love to get his hands on the Premier League trophy with Chelsea!

Catholic 

Giroud is a Catholic and has a tattoo on his right arm, saying “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”.

Goal of the Year 2017

Whilst at Arsenal, Giroud won the FIFA Puskas Award for Goal of the Year following his sensational scorpion-kick against Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day 2017.

A ridiculous strike. WATCH BELOW!