• The plane carrying the French football team is met with a water cannon salute at Charles de Gaulle airport. Bob Edme / AP Photo
    The plane carrying the French football team is met with a water cannon salute at Charles de Gaulle airport. Bob Edme / AP Photo
  • The France football team arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Pascal Rossignol / Reuters
    The France football team arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Pascal Rossignol / Reuters
  • A bus is parked in front of the plane transporting the France's national football team at the Charles de Gaulle Airport. Thomas Samson / AFP
    A bus is parked in front of the plane transporting the France's national football team at the Charles de Gaulle Airport. Thomas Samson / AFP
  • French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris holds the cup as the French football team arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Bob Edme / AP Photo
    French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris holds the cup as the French football team arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Bob Edme / AP Photo
  • France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with the trophy, Sports Minister Laura Flessel, defender Raphael Varane, midfielder Paul Pogba, forward Thomas Lemar and goalkeeper Alphonse Areola celebrate at the Charles de Gaulle Airport. Thomas Samson / AFP
    France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with the trophy, Sports Minister Laura Flessel, defender Raphael Varane, midfielder Paul Pogba, forward Thomas Lemar and goalkeeper Alphonse Areola celebrate at the Charles de Gaulle Airport. Thomas Samson / AFP
  • France's fans greet France's national football team players as they celebrate on the roof of a bus while they parade down the Champs-Elysee avenue in Paris. AFP / Bertrand GUAY
    France's fans greet France's national football team players as they celebrate on the roof of a bus while they parade down the Champs-Elysee avenue in Paris. AFP / Bertrand GUAY
  • The Patrouille de France jets perform as they trail smoke in the colours of the national flag fly over the Champs Elysee as supporters welcome players of the French national football team after they won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match in Paris. AFP / Bertrand GUAY
    The Patrouille de France jets perform as they trail smoke in the colours of the national flag fly over the Champs Elysee as supporters welcome players of the French national football team after they won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match in Paris. AFP / Bertrand GUAY
  • France's team players celebrate on the roof of a bus as they arrive at the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, on July 16, 2018 after winning the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. / AFP / Bertrand GUAY
    France's team players celebrate on the roof of a bus as they arrive at the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, on July 16, 2018 after winning the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. / AFP / Bertrand GUAY
  • Supporters gather on the Champs-Elysees avenue near the Arch of Triumph (Arc de Triomphe) in Paris on July 16, 2018 as they wait for the arrival of the French national football team for celebrations after France won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match on the previous night. / AFP / CHARLY TRIBALLEAU
    Supporters gather on the Champs-Elysees avenue near the Arch of Triumph (Arc de Triomphe) in Paris on July 16, 2018 as they wait for the arrival of the French national football team for celebrations after France won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match on the previous night. / AFP / CHARLY TRIBALLEAU
  • Security forces stand guard by supporters waving French national flags and gathering at the Place Charles de Gaulle up the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris on July 16, 2018 as they wait for the arrival of the French national football team for celebrations after France won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match on the previous night. / AFP / Bertrand GUAY
    Security forces stand guard by supporters waving French national flags and gathering at the Place Charles de Gaulle up the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris on July 16, 2018 as they wait for the arrival of the French national football team for celebrations after France won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match on the previous night. / AFP / Bertrand GUAY
  • A child holds a placard shaped as a the World cup trophy as he waits with other supporters on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris on July 16, 2018, for the arrival of the French national football team for celebrations after France won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match on the previous night. / AFP / CHARLY TRIBALLEAU
    A child holds a placard shaped as a the World cup trophy as he waits with other supporters on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris on July 16, 2018, for the arrival of the French national football team for celebrations after France won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match on the previous night. / AFP / CHARLY TRIBALLEAU
  • TOPSHOT - France's national football team players celebrate on the roof of a bus as they parade down the Champs-Elysee avenue in Paris, on July 16, 2018 after winning the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. / AFP / Lucas Barioulet
    TOPSHOT - France's national football team players celebrate on the roof of a bus as they parade down the Champs-Elysee avenue in Paris, on July 16, 2018 after winning the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. / AFP / Lucas Barioulet
  • France's fans greet France's national football team players as they celebrate on the roof of a bus while they parade down the Champs-Elysee avenue in Paris, on July 16, 2018 after winning the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. / AFP / Bertrand GUAY
    France's fans greet France's national football team players as they celebrate on the roof of a bus while they parade down the Champs-Elysee avenue in Paris, on July 16, 2018 after winning the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. / AFP / Bertrand GUAY
  • Well-wishers prepare to cheer the victorious French team parading on the famed Champs Elysees avenue in Paris, France, after their 4-2 victory Sunday over Croatia to capture the trophy in the final of the FIFA World Cup, Monday, July 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)
    Well-wishers prepare to cheer the victorious French team parading on the famed Champs Elysees avenue in Paris, France, after their 4-2 victory Sunday over Croatia to capture the trophy in the final of the FIFA World Cup, Monday, July 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)
  • TOPSHOT - France's fans light flares as they greet France's national football team players as they parade on a bus down the Champs-Elysee in Paris, on July 16, 2018 after winning the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. / AFP / Bertrand GUAY
    TOPSHOT - France's fans light flares as they greet France's national football team players as they parade on a bus down the Champs-Elysee in Paris, on July 16, 2018 after winning the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. / AFP / Bertrand GUAY
  • Soccer Football - World Cup - The Croatia team return from the World Cup in Russia - Zagreb, Croatia - July 16, 2018 Croatia fans with flares REUTERS/Marko Djurica
    Soccer Football - World Cup - The Croatia team return from the World Cup in Russia - Zagreb, Croatia - July 16, 2018 Croatia fans with flares REUTERS/Marko Djurica
  • France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (C) smiles and holds the trophy as he arrives with teammates for a reception at the Elysee Presidential Palace on July 16, 2018 in Paris after French players won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. France celebrated their second World Cup win 20 years after their maiden triumph on July 15, 2018, overcoming a passionate Croatia side 4-2 in one of the most gripping finals in recent history. / AFP / Lionel BONAVENTURE
    France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (C) smiles and holds the trophy as he arrives with teammates for a reception at the Elysee Presidential Palace on July 16, 2018 in Paris after French players won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. France celebrated their second World Cup win 20 years after their maiden triumph on July 15, 2018, overcoming a passionate Croatia side 4-2 in one of the most gripping finals in recent history. / AFP / Lionel BONAVENTURE
  • French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron pose with France soccer team captain Hugo Lloris holding the trophy, coach Didier Deschamps and players before a reception to honour the France soccer team after their victory in the 2018 Russia Soccer World Cup, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, July 16, 2018. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
    French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron pose with France soccer team captain Hugo Lloris holding the trophy, coach Didier Deschamps and players before a reception to honour the France soccer team after their victory in the 2018 Russia Soccer World Cup, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, July 16, 2018. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
  • A woman cheers as people gather for a "heroes' welcome" in tribute to Croatian national football team, after reaching the final at the Russia 2018 World Cup, at the Bana Jelacica Square in Zagreb, on July 16, 2018. / AFP / Dimitar DILKOFF
    A woman cheers as people gather for a "heroes' welcome" in tribute to Croatian national football team, after reaching the final at the Russia 2018 World Cup, at the Bana Jelacica Square in Zagreb, on July 16, 2018. / AFP / Dimitar DILKOFF
  • Isabelle Matuidi, wife of France's soccer player Blaise Matuidi, and their children arrive to attend a reception to honour the France soccer team after their victory in the 2018 Russia Soccer World Cup, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, July 16, 2018. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
    Isabelle Matuidi, wife of France's soccer player Blaise Matuidi, and their children arrive to attend a reception to honour the France soccer team after their victory in the 2018 Russia Soccer World Cup, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, July 16, 2018. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
  • France's midfielder Corentin Tolisso's girl-friend Sarah (L) and his sister Marine Tolisso, arrive for a reception at the Elysee Presidential Palace on July 16, 2018 in Paris after French players won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. France celebrated their second World Cup win 20 years after their maiden triumph on July 15, 2018, overcoming a passionate Croatia side 4-2 in one of the most gripping finals in recent history. / AFP / Lionel BONAVENTURE
    France's midfielder Corentin Tolisso's girl-friend Sarah (L) and his sister Marine Tolisso, arrive for a reception at the Elysee Presidential Palace on July 16, 2018 in Paris after French players won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. France celebrated their second World Cup win 20 years after their maiden triumph on July 15, 2018, overcoming a passionate Croatia side 4-2 in one of the most gripping finals in recent history. / AFP / Lionel BONAVENTURE
  • France's midfielder Paul Pogba's girl-friend, Maria Zulay Salaues (L) and the player's mother, Yeo, arrive for a reception at the Elysee Presidential Palace on July 16, 2018 in Paris after French players won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. France celebrated their second World Cup win 20 years after their maiden triumph on July 15, 2018, overcoming a passionate Croatia side 4-2 in one of the most gripping finals in recent history. / AFP / Lionel BONAVENTURE
    France's midfielder Paul Pogba's girl-friend, Maria Zulay Salaues (L) and the player's mother, Yeo, arrive for a reception at the Elysee Presidential Palace on July 16, 2018 in Paris after French players won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. France celebrated their second World Cup win 20 years after their maiden triumph on July 15, 2018, overcoming a passionate Croatia side 4-2 in one of the most gripping finals in recent history. / AFP / Lionel BONAVENTURE
  • France's forward Kylian Mbappe's father Wilfried Mbappe (L) and brother Ethan Mbappe arrive for a reception at the Elysee Presidential Palace on July 16, 2018 in Paris after French players won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. France celebrated their second World Cup win 20 years after their maiden triumph on July 15, 2018, overcoming a passionate Croatia side 4-2 in one of the most gripping finals in recent history. / AFP / Lionel BONAVENTURE
    France's forward Kylian Mbappe's father Wilfried Mbappe (L) and brother Ethan Mbappe arrive for a reception at the Elysee Presidential Palace on July 16, 2018 in Paris after French players won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. France celebrated their second World Cup win 20 years after their maiden triumph on July 15, 2018, overcoming a passionate Croatia side 4-2 in one of the most gripping finals in recent history. / AFP / Lionel BONAVENTURE
  • Camille Tytgat (C), wife of France's defender Raphael Varane, pushes their son Ruben sitting in a stroller, as they arrive for a reception at the Elysee Presidential Palace on July 16, 2018 in Paris after French players won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. France celebrated their second World Cup win 20 years after their maiden triumph on July 15, 2018, overcoming a passionate Croatia side 4-2 in one of the most gripping finals in recent history. / AFP / ludovic MARIN
    Camille Tytgat (C), wife of France's defender Raphael Varane, pushes their son Ruben sitting in a stroller, as they arrive for a reception at the Elysee Presidential Palace on July 16, 2018 in Paris after French players won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match. France celebrated their second World Cup win 20 years after their maiden triumph on July 15, 2018, overcoming a passionate Croatia side 4-2 in one of the most gripping finals in recent history. / AFP / ludovic MARIN

Football

France's Olivier Giroud savours World Cup glory, says criticism 'motivates me to get better'

The striker drew flak from fans for not scoring a single goal during France's successful World Cup campaign

Reuters

July 17, 2018

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Olivier Giroud says criticism has always motivated him to do better and the 31-year-old France striker is pleased to silence his detractors with his stellar work rate in his team's World Cup triumph in Russia.

The Chelsea player drew flak from fans for not scoring a single goal during France's successful World Cup campaign but manager Didier Deschamps had previously defended him by highlighting his tremendous off-the-ball work rate and clever support play.

Despite the goal drought, Deschamps stuck with the Chelsea striker, who featured in all of France's seven matches at the World Cup, and Giroud is happy to have played his role.

"All of my career I have been, how can I say ... I have been through certain difficulties and I have always tried to make it," Giroud told reporters as France were greeted by thousands of supporters on their return home on Monday.

"It motivates me to get better and better and go through these difficulties and it is what happens in life when you are really motivated, determined, committed, it is never easy.

"Football is very hard and people see only the nice part of the job. But we work very hard for this achievement and I am very proud to say I am a World Cup champion."

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Giroud has also been criticised by pundits and supporters in the Premier League after scoring five goals and providing three assists in 18 appearances for Chelsea since joining the club in January.

"No, no, no because I have been criticised a little but in France as well," he said when asked if he feels more respected in France.

"For example, I didn't score in the World Cup. I receive a lot of messages from people who know football well, lots of French supporters. They see the work I do for the team."

Giroud could return to action for Chelsea in their season-opening Community Shield match against Manchester City on August 5.

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Read more:

2018 World Cup talking points: Europe reigns supreme as France show teamwork is key

In pictures: France's world champions in parade down Paris' Champs-Elysees

Report: France win the World Cup with 4-2 victory over Croatia

WATCH: Paris landmarks celebrate France World Cup win

2018 World Cup team of the tournament: France players dominate

Interactive: How the World Cup's key players rated

Comment: Deschamps deserves full credit for steering France to deserved World Cup glory

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