André-Pierre Gignac fires back at critics: “I couldn’t care less”

André-Pierre Gignac has already cemented his place in Mexican soccer history. But as his minutes with Tigres dwindle late in his career, the veteran forward insists he still has the drive to compete, and no one left to impress.

The 39-year-old Frenchman said he’s in good physical shape and wouldn’t still be playing if that weren’t the case. He made it clear that the outside noise doesn’t bother him.

Gignac: “I have nothing to prove”

“I have nothing to prove to anyone, literally no one. Only to myself,” Gignac told reporters. “The goal is to be strong heading into the Liguilla. If I doubted my fitness, my legs, my feet, I wouldn’t still be here. There’s no problem on my end.”

Gignac added that criticism is nothing new after more than two decades as a professional.

“I’ve been doing this for 21 years. I’m not going to get upset now,” he said. “The only person I have to prove anything to is myself. I couldn’t care less, I feel good and I’m almost ready.”

Injury setbacks in 2025

This year hasn’t been easy for Gignac. A series of injuries has limited his playing time, and even since returning to full fitness, he hasn’t logged many minutes. So far in the Liga MX Apertura tournament, he’s played just 283 minutes across six matches, scoring one goal.

His future is also a hot topic among fans. Gignac’s contract with Tigres runs through the summer of 2026 after being extended earlier this year. That renewal sparked debate among supporters and media over whether keeping him on was the right move.

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