On May 24, 2024, Olivier Giroud, France's all-time leading goal scorer, declared his intention to retire from international football following the Euro 2024 championship in Germany. The announcement came as Giroud, a former player for Arsenal and Chelsea, was named in Coach Didier Deschamps' provisional squad for the Euros.
In an interview with L’Equipe, Giroud expressed his decision, stating, “To be honest, this will be my last competition with Les Bleus. Obviously, I’m going to miss it a lot. But I think the French team will be over after the Euro. We need to make way for the youngsters. You also have to be careful not to have one season too many. You have to find the right balance."
Giroud emphasized his commitment to retiring when his body signals the time, noting that he believes he has about two good years left in his playing career. However, he affirmed that his retirement from the French national team will coincide with the conclusion of Euro 2024.
France, who were eliminated by Switzerland in the last 16 of Euro 2020, aims to reclaim glory in the tournament. Giroud expressed his desire to support the team and go as far as possible in the competition. He downplayed personal objectives, focusing instead on the collective goal of success with the current generation of players.
Regarding potential achievements, Giroud mentioned the elusive Premier League title and the milestone of reaching 60 international goals. However, he emphasized that these are not his primary motivations and that winning with the team takes precedence.
As Giroud prepares to bid farewell to international football, he also faces changes in his club career. Currently playing for AC Milan, Giroud's contract with the club expires next month. However, he has already secured his next move, having agreed to join Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC after the conclusion of Euro 2024.
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Giroud played a crucial role in France's 2018 FIFA World Cup victory in Russia, despite not scoring a goal throughout the tournament. His leadership, experience, and selflessness were invaluable to the team's success, showcasing his significance beyond scoring goals.
As Giroud prepares to embark on the final chapter of his international career, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication, professionalism, and remarkable contributions to French football. With 57 goals in 131 appearances for the national team, he has etched his name in the annals of football history as one of France's greatest strikers.
Olivier Giroud's decision to retire from international football after Euro 2024 marks the end of an era for Les Bleus. His announcement brings a mixture of nostalgia and anticipation as fans reflect on his remarkable journey while looking ahead to the future of French football. As Euro 2024 approaches, Giroud's presence will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration for his teammates as they strive for success on the international stage.
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