Olivier Giroud has hit back at his critics who still think he’s a donkey despite scoring eight in his last eight games for France with a better record than Karim Benzema for his country.

Netting the opening goal of Euro 2016, Giroud could still not quieten his detractors who pointed to his missed chances as if every striker on the planet apart from him has a 100% conversion rate.

Speaking to the press in France, Giroud said “For a striker, it is always important to score. 

“I continue my run. 

“My numbers speak for themselves. 

“I’m probably [at my] best in adversity. But I did not want to fight against slanderers. 

“I am especially proud to have helped my team win this game.”

Giroud finished the season for Arsenal with 24 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions despite going through an extended drought in front of the net. Benzema, meanwhile, had 28 in 36 for Real Madrid.

But when you look at their international form, it’s a very different story.

Giroud has 25 goals for France in 58 appearances (and six assists), however he started 26 of those on the bench. So that’s 25 in 32 starts, not a bad return by anyone’s standards (he’s only actually played the full 90 on eight occasions).

Looking at just his minutes played, he averages a goal every 107 minutes for France.

In contrast, Karim Benzema, who is at home watching some videotapes, has just 27 goals in 81 appearances for his country (but 19 assists). That’s just two more goals than Olivier in 23 more appearances. His goal average is one every 183 minutes and unlike Giroud has started more – 56, and completed the full 90 25 times.

Just saying.

olivier giroud 8 in 6 (1)