If Chelsea win the upcoming FA Cup final, then Olivier Giroud will enter the competition’s history by becoming one of the few to have lifted it five times.
The record holder is Ashley Cole with seven, but only a select group can boast having a medal for each finger on their hand (yes, we know they’re not rings like in America), which is something the Frenchman is keen to do.
He will, however, have to do so in an empty stadium, as the Covid-19 regulations mean no fans will be allowed to be present in the arena during the game.
It’s something he understands, but, in an interview with L’Equipe, admits it really isn’t his preference.
He said: “It’s not the same football. The charm isn’t the same, you have to adapt. Health is more important, but I can’t wait to play in a full stadium with that pressure, that adrenaline, that tension. That silence is so weird. You can hear flies buzzing. It’s a training games… But I’m a professional, there are titles to go get. You have to do your job”.
When the FA and the United Kingdom government gave the green light for football to resume, Giroud was one of many players who were reluctant to take part in the early fixtures.
He explained why: “It’s true that, at first, I was. There are people at risk in my entourage, so you ask yourself questions. Plus, you don’t know how long it’s going to last for. You think and you tell yourself that you have to go back at some point”.
Delighted that Frank Lampard, who promised him game time after the January transfer window, kept his word, Giroud now just wants to pay him back with goals.
Hopefully for the Chelsea legend and the club’s fans, he’ll be able to do that in the upcoming FA Cup final.
