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Giroud 'obsessed' by England

Image: Olivier Giroud: Has revealed he dreams of playing in the Premier League

France striker Olivier Giroud has spoken of his desire to move to England - but not until he has guided Montpellier to the Champions League.

I want to make my mark, says Montpellier man

France striker Olivier Giroud has spoken of his desire to move to England - but not until he has guided Montpellier to the Champions League. The 25-year-old has been linked with several British clubs in the past, including Celtic and Middlesbrough, and has since enjoyed a growing reputation in his native France. Giroud has already passed the 20-goal mark this season and has been a key figure in Montpellier's surprise bid to become Ligue 1 champions. But the French star admits moving to England has always been an ambition. "Since very early in 2010, (when) Celtic and Middlesbrough showed interest, I have always dreamt about England," Giroud told L'Equipe. "And Celtic, wow! They have fans all over the world and it is a great showcase before joining the Premier League. "But Montpellier reacted; became insistent. I had a phone call with coach Rene Giroud, and that was important. I felt wanted and there was a very good group." Champions League Giroud's stock has risen considerably since then and he feels he has unfinished business in France, where he is aiming to make a lasting impression. "I want to leave a mark on Ligue 1 in my time," he added. "I want people to one day say 'I remember Giroud, the one who led Montpellier to the Champions League'. "I do this job to leave a mark, for the people around me to be proud. At first, that means making a name for myself as one of the best forwards in Ligue 1. "Why did I choose Montpellier? I listened to my agent and the people around me. They advised me to first try Ligue 1. However, I was obsessed by England. But I put that aside. "At Montpellier I have great fun. I am very happy with my choice. I am fully committed to the project. "Don't try to make me say something I don't want to say, that Montpellier is just a step - a springboard to something else. I want to mark my stay, without any reservation."
Euro dream
Giroud is hoping his performances at club level will be enough to persuade Laurent Blanc to reward the forward with a berth in France's squad for the European Championship this summer. The striker was handed his international debut by Blanc last year and netted his first goal for France in their impressive win away to Germany in February. "Euro (2012)? Of course, I have big hopes. Obviously if I finish the season as Le Championnat top scorer it will help a lot. Why shouldn't I? "Not playing the Euros would be a huge disappointment if I do the business right before it. "The priority is to be crowned champions of France. That would mean I have scored goals and I have been good. And I would go to the Euros."

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