Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is laying the foundations to fulfil his dream of the Ballon d'Or title. The 27-year-old joined Arsenal from Montpellier in 2012 and has already scored 15 goals in his 40 appearances for the Premier League side.
"What has always made me succeed is the fact I set sensible objectives," he told France Football. "I grew that way, step by step. Before thinking about Ballon d'Or, before being part of the top 10 players in the world, I first have to be in top 10 forwards in England.
"I am starting to make a name for myself among that top 10 and I want to do it this year. That is a short-term objective.
"Talking about that two years ago, I would have said it was not sensible. Now I am aware I have the right potential to make it."
"Fans chanting my name is really great," he added. "I am very proud of that. It is great honour to have been adopted by the fans so quickly. That gives you desire to pay back on the pitch. I think they feel I give my very best. I don't only think about scoring.
"The second seasons are always difficult. Last season I scored and assisted so people will ask for more. So, more expectation and more pressure.
"When I joined the club of course I put myself under big pressure may be too much because I replaced Van Persie. Frankly early last season, I didn't make the right gestures, I was tense. I was stiff like a stick."
