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Olivier Giroud: Why I feel sad for Chelsea star and Arsenal hero - Patrice Evra
OLIVIER GIROUD has not always been a regular starter for club and country - and Patrice Evra admits he feels sorry for his fellow Frenchman.
World Cup: Patrice Evra admits he feels sorry for Olivier Giroud
During his five-and-a-half years at Arsenal, Giroud was often the scapegoat for the Gunners’ inability to mount a title challenge.
That is despite the striker scoring over 100 goals under Arsene Wenger at the Emirates.
Giroud moved across London in January to Chelsea and again was not initially a regular starter at Stamford Bridge.
But he finished strongly under Antonio Conte, scoring five goals in 18 appearances.
I feel sad sometimes for Giroud because everywhere he plays, people are saying he shouldn’t play
After being left on the bench for France’s opening World Cup game against Australian, Giroud returned to the starting line-up against Peru today.
Evra cannot understand some of the criticism he gets from fans who contradict themselves with their opinions on the 31-year-old.
“I feel sad sometimes for Giroud because everywhere he plays, people are saying he shouldn’t play,” Evra said of the Chelsea star on ITV.
“And after when he doesn’t play, they say ‘we missed him.’
Players and staff gather round TV to watch Giroud's goal
“So yeah I feel a little bit sad for Giroud, but actually he’s doing a great job as well when he plays for the national team.
“He scores goals and I’m convinced today he’s going to score another one.”
Olivier Giroud was looking to add to his 31 goals for France on his 76th appearance.