Giroud gunning for Henry's France goal record

Having become France's second highest all-time top scorer on Wednesday by leapfrogging Michel Platini with 42 goals, Olivier Giroud is now gunning for Thierry Henry's all-time record of 51.

Giroud netted twice in a 7-1 demolition of Ukraine in a friendly, celebrating his 100th cap in style in front of visitors' coach Andriy Shevchenko, one of his idols.

"I feel a lot of pride, it's a great honour for me and I'm happy it happened for my 100th cap," Giroud told French TV channel TF1.

🗣 Giroud on surpassing Platini on goals for France:

"It's a great honour. I'm very happy that it turned out that way."

🗣 On chasing Henry's record of 51:

"I think we have to set goals but it's a bit early to tell. We'll see when I get to 46 or 47."

He's on 42 now 👀 pic.twitter.com/4frN9iw2zK

— Goal (@goal) October 7, 2020

"I'm happy I did it on front of Shevchenko, he was one of my favourite players, if not my favourite player when I was a teenager," the Chelsea forward said of the former AC Milan and Ukraine striker, winner of the Ballon d'Or in 2004.

Giroud said he would now take it step by step to improve his goal tally, although he hinted he was targeting Henry's record, which he set in 123 international appearances.

Asked whether he was going for the 51-goal mark, he said: "There's no limit. You have to set yourself goals. Let's see when I reach 46, 47 goals."

😍 @_OlivierGiroud_ grew up idolising @jksheva7 and even tried to copy the Ukraine icon's running and shooting style 💥

👏 Last night, Giroud's hero was there to congratulate him on reaching 100 caps & becoming the 2nd-highest scorer in @FrenchTeam history 🇫🇷

📷 @equipedefrance pic.twitter.com/to6HnVrOS7

— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) October 8, 2020