Giroud talks about reputation and form in L'Equipe

On injury and recent form:

For three months I was sidelined with the injury and since then, I’m hungry! There’s also more understanding with my partners.

I am less isolated. Before, I was the striker and it was up to me to score. Now, the attention is not just focused on one player. There is more speed, more percussion. It is less predictable. There is also more diversity. Danny likes to get into the channels.

Alexis can make the difference with the ball. He brings a passion and personality that we didn’t have before. He’s like a Duracell battery! He never stops and his aggressiveness is contagious.

On whether rumours about us signing other strikers hurt:

No, but it stings. When talking about a guy to play at your place, you take it because it’s your job. I hear: 'They have Giroud and Welbeck but need a world class striker'. I don’t have any inferiority complex. I don’t have their reputation, but look at the stats, I’m right behind Costa and Agüero.

On using injury to grow as a player:

I changed my habits, my way of working out. I do a little more gym, muscle building. I gained a couple of pounds, increased my explosiveness. I am more mobile. The psychological aspect is something I understand better. I also try to be less demonstrative, like when I do that [puts his head between his hands] after a missed opportunity.

Coaches, it bothers them a little. They want an attitude of a killer. Diego Costa shows no feeling. I’m more emotional. So I learned to control my emotions.