Olivier Giroud, the legendary French striker, has officially announced his retirement from international football after Euro 2024. With an impressive record of 57 goals in 131 appearances for Les Bleus, Giroud has been a key figure in the French national team for many years.
Having represented France at multiple Euro and World Cup tournaments, including the victorious 2018 World Cup campaign and the runner-up finish in 2022, Giroud has decided that Euro 2024 will be his swan song on the international stage. The 37-year-old, who is leaving Milan to join Los Angeles FC in MLS, expressed his gratitude for his time with the national team and acknowledged the need to make way for the younger generation.
In an emotional interview with L’Equipe, Giroud shared, “Obviously I’m going to miss it a lot, but I think my time with the French team will be over after the Euros. I need to cede my place for the young players.” Despite the nostalgia and sentimental memories, Giroud is focused on ending his international career on a high note at Euro 2024.
As France gears up for the tournament in Germany, Giroud is determined to give his all and contribute to the team’s success. “There is a bit of nostalgia for all those years gone by,” he admitted. “Obviously, there will be a lot of emotions, a lot of details, and memories that will resurface, but we have to put that aside and enjoy every moment once again. Emotion must not take over. There is still a competition to win, even if it will be special for me.”
With France drawn in a challenging group alongside Austria, the Netherlands, and Poland, Giroud is ready to face the competition head-on and lead his team to glory one last time. As fans prepare to bid farewell to a true icon of French football, all eyes will be on Giroud and his teammates as they aim for success at Euro 2024.