Giroud has surpassed Michel Platini on the list and is now behind only former Arsenal and Barcelona star Henry, who has scored 51 goals in 123 games.
Giroud’s record is all the more impressive as he has often been used by coach Didier Deschamps as a target tasked with bringing into play deeper attackers such as Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe.
Indeed, the 34-year-old played all seven of France’s matches at the 2018 World Cup, including their 4-2 victory over Croatia in the final, without once being put on the scoresheet.
While he doesn’t focus too much on capturing Henry, he suggested setting a new national record might be within his grasp.
« Obviously I’m extremely proud», Declared Giroud, captain of the match against Ukraine, to TF1. “It’s a great honor [to reach 100 caps] and I am very happy that it turned out like this.
“It was always going to be emotional. It’s a friendly match but it’s still my hundredth, so I’m very happy for myself and for the team as well. We have shown a lot of good things.
« Now I keep looking forward, without setting any limits. I hope to continue like this.
“I think you have to set goals. It may be a bit early to say [if I will break the record]. We’ll see when I have maybe 46 or 47 goals! ”
France will face Portugal in the Nations League on Sunday.
