Published: 15 January, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

OLIVIER Giroud has revealed that he used to try to emulate legendary striker Andriy Shevchenko in training when he was growing up. 

The French forward said he admired the “elegant” way the former AC Milan and Chelsea striker conducted himself on the pitch, and studied every aspect of his game. 

“When I was young I tried to run like Shevchenko because he was a fantastic player and really elegant as well,” Giroud told Arsenal.com. 

“Sometimes at training I used to start running like him. He runs in a special way. He was really powerful – short but strong. I tried to imitate his shots as well.” 

Giroud will certainly find it a little easier to find more space up front in training after two strikers left Arsenal this week. 

Yaya Sanogo has joined Crystal Palace on loan until the end of the season, while highly-rated youngster Benik Afobe has joined Championship side Wolves in a permanent move for an undisclosed fee. 

The departures come just a week after Lukas Podolski completed his loan move to Inter Milan. And with Joel Campbell also being tipped to leave, Arsenal fans are starting to become a little concerned by the lack of attacking options manager Arsene Wenger will have at his disposal.