World Cup: Giroud backs former Chelsea ace and USA star Pulisic to shine
By BBC, June 13, 2026France legend Olivier Giroud has opened up about his love for the French national team and his expectations of potential stars who could play pivotal roles for their respective teams.
“France is still my team, of course. I am the number one fan of the French national side, and I wish them all the best, but 2024 was the right time for me to retire from international football.
On the USA run and his former teammate both at Chelsea and AC Milan: I have some good friends playing for different teams at this World Cup, not just France.
Taking USA to next level
One of the players I know best and appreciate most is Christian Pulisic of the USA, who was my team-mate at Chelsea and AC Milan.
I was not surprised at how well he played against Paraguay because I think that he has got what it takes to take the US team to the next level over the next few weeks – hopefully the calf problem that meant he came off at half-time is nothing serious.
He was just a young kid when he came to Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, but even then he was an important player for his national team and they put a lot of hope, and also pressure, on him.
Captain America
At Milan we used to call him by his nickname, Captain America because even when he wasn’t wearing the USA armband he was their star player, with the biggest profile.
He had a big responsibility because he was the main face of their team and he was also successful in Europe. It is the same now, even though he has only had a so-so season for Milan. He started well, but then the team collapsed and did not qualify for the Champions League, and he went a few months without scoring.
But, whatever is going on with him at his club side, there always seems to be this expectation around Christian to deliver for the USA, and criticism when he doesn’t.
Mental strength is massive for every player and I think he has been through some tough moments, with injuries or when he or the team has not been doing well, but they have all helped to make him the person he is and now he is ready to face this challenge.
Some people felt he was wrong to skip last summer’s Gold Cup, when he told Mauricio Pochettino he needed to rest, but I felt then it was important to trust him because he knew his body better than anyone.
He was obviously thinking then about this summer, and the most important thing was what happened now.
Because he didn’t play in that Gold Cup, there is probably even more expectation around him now for the World Cup, but I think he is aware of that, and he’s ready for the responsibility, mentally and physically. At 27, he is still young but he is more mature now.