AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud has declared his intention to retire from international duty with the French national team following Euro 2024. With 57 goals in 131 appearances, Giroud holds the record as France’s all-time leading scorer and was a pivotal member of the squad that clinched the 2018 World Cup.
Giroud, formerly of Arsenal and Chelsea, has been included in Didier Deschamps’ preliminary squad for the upcoming Euros, set to kick off next month in Germany. Speaking to L’Equipe, Giroud expressed his sentiment about bidding adieu to Les Bleus: “This will be my last competition with Les Bleus. I’m going to miss it a lot. 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.”
Despite a goalless campaign in terms of scoring during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Giroud made a significant impact at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, netting four goals, including a crucial late winner against England in the quarter-finals. However, France fell short in the final, losing to Argentina on penalties.
Giroud is set to make his final appearance for Milan this Saturday as they face Salernitana on the last day of the Serie A season. With his contract expiring next month, the 37-year-old has already sealed a move to Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles FC post Euro 2024. The seasoned striker has inked an 18-month deal with the option for an additional year.
