French forward Olivier Giroud has announced his decision to retire from international football after the upcoming European Championship. The 37-year-old, who recently transferred from AC Milan to Major League Soccer team LAFC, has had a remarkable career representing his country. He made 131 appearances and became the men’s national team’s all-time leading goalscorer with 57 goals.
During an interview with L’Equipe, Giroud expressed his feelings about stepping away from the French national team, stating, “To be honest, this will be my last competition with Les Bleus. Obviously, I’m going to miss it a lot.” He emphasized the importance of recognizing when to pave the way for younger players and not overextending his playing career. Giroud also acknowledged the need to find the right balance and listen to his body, signifying that the time has come for him to bid farewell to international football.
Looking ahead to the European Championship, Giroud shared that his primary goal is to support the current generation of players and strive for success in the tournament. When asked about specific personal objectives, he downplayed individual accolades and instead emphasized his desire to achieve collective success with the national team.
With France’s Euro 2024 campaign set to commence against Austria on June 17, followed by matches against the Netherlands and Poland, Giroud’s announcement adds an additional layer of significance to the upcoming tournament. After their disappointing exit in the round of 16 at Euro 2020, the French national team will be determined to make a strong statement on the international stage.
Giroud’s decision to retire from international duty marks the end of an era for the French national team, bidding farewell to a player who has significantly contributed to their success. As he looks towards the future, Giroud’s focus remains on making the most of the time he has left in his career and supporting the next generation of talent.
In conclusion, Olivier Giroud’s announcement of his retirement from the French national team after Euro 2024 underscores the significance of the upcoming tournament and casts a spotlight on the veteran striker’s distinguished international career. With the collective aspirations of the team at the forefront, Giroud’s legacy as a pivotal figure in French football will undoubtedly endure, even as he prepares to bring his international journey to a close.