Many players who reach the age of 32 are showing the effects of a long career, but Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is feeling as strong as ever.
The France striker proved that last night as his first hat-trick for the west London club ensured they secured a Europa League quarter-final berth in some style with a 5-0 scoreline on the night and 8-0 on aggregate.
It is unlikely to be enough to convince coach Maurizio Sarri to use him more in the Premier League, though, starting with the trip to Everton on Sunday.
The Italian preferred Alvaro Morata in the first half of the campaign and now January signing Gonzalo Higuain is ahead of him in the pecking order, but Giroud won’t give up without a fight.
“I’m 32 but I’m still young,” he said. “I still feel as fresh as when I was in my twenties. I feel very well physically. When I do the tests on the treadmill, I have one of the best [at the club].
“I have the motivation to carry on. Some of the boys asked me why I didn’t retire after winning the World Cup but I’m still hungry and I know how much I will miss football after my career. I want more and more. I think I have a few nice years in front of me.”
There is a debate to be had over whether Higuain is worthy of a place ahead of Giroud at the moment. Since joining from Juventus on loan, the Argentina veteran has found the net just three times.
Higuain stayed in London due to illness, but you get the impression that Giroud is a bit sick about the way he is being treated.
“I am a competitor, I want to play every single game and to be happy on the pitch,” he said. “But I am not picking the team, the manager makes some choices. I play in the Europa League and I am happy to help the team to go through the stages step by step. The target is clearly to win it.
“The Premier League is another thing, you know? I have no idea [if I will start on Sunday]. Will I settle for being a substitute at 32? No. No chance. I want to take maximum pleasure on the pitch. That’s why when I play I try to enjoy the game as much as I can.”
