Olivier Giroud says modern-day sportsmen must be able to cope with intense pressure if they are to succeed at the highest level.
The Arsenal striker has had a fine season for Arsenal, scoring 18 goals in 30 games - but a tough night against Monaco in February suddenly saw him under the microscope.
The 28-year-old responded with the opening goal in the Gunners’ next match, against Everton, and he was delighted to make amends so quickly.
"There is more media now, and social media as well - it is more than in the 1990s. But I like pressure and the boys do as well"
Olivier Giroud
“I knew that almost all the eyes would be on me and my performance, so I tried to do my best and it was a better day for me,” Giroud told Arsenal Player.
“I thank the boss for giving me the chance to answer. I am pleased with that reaction and I felt really relieved after the game because it had been a little weight on my shoulders.
“Nowadays you have to deal with that pressure. There is more media now, and social media as well - it is more than in the 1990s. But I like pressure and the boys do as well.
“I try to keep my distance from it in the good moments and the bad moments too. Everything is amplified when you play well and everything is amplified when you miss one game.
“Everything is questioned. It is part of a sportsman today and you have to deal with that.”
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