Explained: What did France star Olivier Giroud mean with his India fan comments?

France arrived in Qatar for World CupHuge support from fans in countryGiroud surprised by love from Indian people

WHAT HAPPENED? With the World Cup just days away from kick-off, teams are arriving into Qatar and getting themselves tournament ready. Similarly, fans are gearing up for the tournament and getting vocal in support of their favourite players and nations. Giroud was shocked by the support shown to France from one contingent in particular: Indian fans.

WHAT HE SAID: Speaking in a press conference, the striker explained: “It’s always nice to feel welcomed like that. I did not know that the Indians supported the France team, it is a weight given that they are a billion [strong in their support].”

WHAT DID HE MEAN? A large majority of Qatar’s expat population is from India. Among that expat population, the majority of Indians are from Kerala, a state which is extremely famous for its football-loving crowd. In Kerala, you will see fan groups fighting over public places to put up banners for all popular teams. And with France arriving as 2018 world champions, seeing the support they receive is understandable.

IN TWO PHOTOS:

WHAT NEXT FOR GIROUD? The 36-year-old will hope to play a key part as an experienced squad player in trying to help France retain their World Cup crown. His role may grow now that Chistopher Nkunku has been ruled out.

Related Post
Share
Published by

Recent Posts

​​”It almost seemed an innings without purpose” – Sanjay Manjrekar criticises KL Rahul’s batting on Day 1 of IND vs BAN 1st Test 2024

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar slammed KL Rahul’s batting on the opening day of the… Read More

September 20, 2024

KL Rahul should be disappointed getting out to an off-spinner off a straightforward delivery: Zaheer Khan

Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan believes KL Rahul should be disappointed getting out to… Read More

September 20, 2024

They could have been selected for Duleep trophy – Sanjay Manjrekar on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s struggles in first innings against Bangladesh

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar reiterated that the veteran duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat… Read More

September 20, 2024

Bangladesh missed a trick by holding back Shakib Al Hasan: Tamim Iqbal

Former Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal reckons the Tigers skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto missed a trick… Read More

September 20, 2024

“He repeatedly reminds me slightly of VVS Laxman” – Aakash Chopra lauds R Ashwin’s century in IND vs BAN 2024 1st Test

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has compared Ravichandran Ashwin’s batting panache with former flamboyant… Read More

September 20, 2024

“That puts them off” – Sanjay Manjrekar explains why Bangladesh bowlers struggled against Ravichandran Ashwin on Day 1 of IND vs BAN 2024 Test

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar reckons Ashwin’s ability to play the ball late and hit… Read More

September 20, 2024