Olivier Giroud has insisted that he is ready to fill Paul Pogba's void in the France World Cup squad.
The Juventus midfielder will miss the FIFA World Cup after suffering a meniscus injury that has been badly managed by his entourage.
Pogba injury was a bitter blow for Les Bleus as the former Manchester United star was integral part of their 2018 triumph.
At the time videos were trending on social media of the 29-year-old giving the most passionate team talks ahead of crucial matches against Argentina and Croatia.
These clips had emphasised the player's importance to the squad on and off the pitch.
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However, Giroud is certain that other leaders will emerge.
“We are thinking of them (Pogba, N'Golo Kante) and will hopefully make them proud," the 36-year-old said, per Daily Mirror.
"Paul takes a lot of space in the team with his personality and charisma but there are other leaders who will emerge.
“I have my role as a big brother for the younger players to be available to them and to speak when it is needed and to motivate the team and keep them together.”
The AC Milan striker now needs just two more goals to equal Thierry Henry’s international record of 51 for France and has spoken about potentially breaking the record.
“I treat it like a young player because I want to enjoy every single moment. I have this target and bonus in my head to beat Thierry but the main goal of the team is to go as far as we can in the competition.
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“Hopefully we can bring the Cup home. To get another would be amazing. I am still hungry. I feel physically good and am very happy with my team and my club.
“To be 36 and to still be able to feel good and play like this is a gift and I hope to be able to continue like this. Maybe it could be my last competition but I am not announcing anything.
“We will see after the World Cup. As long as my body will allow it, I won’t fix any limits. With my age I know I am closer to the end of my career than the beginning but I am still very motivated."
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