Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud reveals he was inspired by £30m Chelsea flop

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud admits he modelled his game on Chelsea flop Andriy Shevchenko as a junior.

MODEL STRIKER: Olivier Giroud admits he tried to mould his game on ex-Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko

Shevchenko established himself as one of the world's best strikers during his time at Italian giants AC Milan before a disastrous £30m spell at Chelsea.

Giroud was inspired by the ex-Ukraine international and he tried to copy his running style and finishing technique when he was young.

"When I was young I tried to run like Shevchenko because he was a fantastic player and really elegant as well," he said.

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

"I don't think [my coach] noticed though, because it was a quick try. It was not an obsession!"

France international Giroud rose to attention at Montpellier and he moved to Arsenal in 2012 after firing to French side to their maiden Ligue 1 title.

The 28-year-old has scored 45 goals in 108 appearances for the Gunners.