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

Mohammad Kaif slams KL Rahul’s critics after latter’s 11th hundred in IND vs WI 2025 1st Test

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif slammed KL Rahul’s critics after the Indian opener continued his… Read More

October 3, 2025

Sanjay Bangar picks Gill to break Rohit Sharma’s record for highest score in ODIs

Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar has backed Shubman Gill to break Rohit Sharma’s record… Read More

October 3, 2025

Mohammad Kaif says Karun Nair should have been included for West Indies Tests

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif believes the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel should have included Karun… Read More

October 2, 2025

AB de Villiers hails Kuldeep Yadav for Asia Cup 2025 heroics

Former South African captain AB de Villiers showered praise on Kuldeep Yadav after the wrist… Read More

October 2, 2025

Tilak Varma reveals Pakistan players tried to sledge him after heroics in Asia Cup 2025 final

Indian batter Tilak Varma revealed Pakistan players tried hard to sledge him during his match-winning… Read More

October 1, 2025

Wasim Akram slams Haris Rauf – ‘He’s a run machine… but as a bowler’

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram criticized Haris Rauf after his mundane performance in the Asia… Read More

October 1, 2025