Former World Cup and Champions League winner sees failed Celtic transfer turn him into Scotland cheerleader
The French legend is still playing at Ligue 1 level with Lille.
A legendary striker has revealed Scotland fandom - off the back of a teasing Celtic transfer question.
The Tartan Army have turned heads in America, namely Boston, through their vocal support of Steve Clarke’s side. A 1-0 opening game win over Haiti has placed them well for progress as a star-studded line-up of presenters and pundits cast their eye over the tournament for those back home. As BBC covered USA’s win over Australia, Olivier Giroud was on the panel, still playing aged 39 in Ligue with Lille.
He claimed the World Cup in 2018 with France and domestically won honours like the Champions League across stints with Chelsea, AC Milan, Arsenal and more. The transfer window is open and talk of Celtic was a surprise mention on the half-time review of the USA clash. When in his career wasn’t stated but striker Giroud was put on the spot over what a failed move to the Scottish champions meant for his love of those in navy blue.
What World Cup winner almost moved to Celtic?
The punditry panel were previewing the upcoming Scotland match later that night before presenter Gabby Logan turned to the former AC Milan and Arsenal striker. She said ‘Olivier was telling us he almost went to Celtic at one point in his career so I am sure he is going to be cheering on Scotland tonight?’
He responded ‘yes, come on Scotland!’ Ex Gunners teammate Theo Walcott added on the Tartan Army: “It’s great. When you see the different cultures coming together and even when you come to England and experience the England fans. It’s amazing. So for the Americans to witness the Scotland fans... can they outdrink them? Who knows. It’s great to see.”
Scotland would eventually go on to lose the game 1-0 but progress through being one of the best third placed teams is still a realistic path for Clarke’s side ahead of facing Brazil in Miami this week. He said after the game: "Thought we were good. Terrible start but the reaction to that was good. We had to dig in for five or 10 minutes just to get our feet in the game.
Steve Clarke on Morocco 1-0 Scotland
"Once we were in the game, we showed we could cause them problems. The disappointment would be that we didn't create the one clear cut chance that would have got us the point. This group of players, this squad, have shown that [resilience] in abundance over the years. They're in there, their flat, disappointed, but we've got another chance.
"Everybody is talking about the Scott McTominay [penalty incident]. I actually looked at the John McGinn one, which was 50-50. Some referees would give it, some don't. Sometimes VAR will get involved. I was a little bit disappointed in the last man foul [Diop on Adams]. For me, Che might be clear through on goal. On another day, you might get those decisions. This team are ready to go again. We're here to try and do what no Scottish team has done before. We gave it everything and we'll try and do it again."