Agencies
Paris
France fans have been warned they are damaging the whole team by booing Oliver Giroud.
Supporters have targeted Giroud in the build up to Euro 2016 despite his terrific recent scoring record and the fact he will be their leading striker during the tournament.
Arsenal striker Giroud has scored seven times in his last five starts for his country, but he has become the scapegoat in the eyes of fans after rival frontman Karim Benzema was omitted from France's squad because of his involvement in an alleged plot to blackmail international teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
Ahead of France's tournament opener against Romania tomorrow, star forward Antoine Griezmann said: "Those who whistled Olivier Giroud weren't hurting only him but also us as well.
"We did everything so that he might score, so that he feels confident with us and he has responded on the pitch."
Despite his treatment, Giroud is determined to deliver another trophy on home soil for France's followers.
The two times they have hosted tournaments - the 1984 Euros and 1998 World Cup - France won both of them.
Giroud told Arsenal.com : “I was only 11 (in 1998) and it was one of my best memories as a fan of the French national team.
"It was fantastic for all the French people to win the World Cup, especially at home. That’s why we want to make our French fans proud this summer.
“It’s a great feeling (to be representing France in front of our home fans) and we’re all looking forward to that.
"We want to do well in front of our own fans so we’re going to do everything we can to bring the trophy back home.”
