France’s all-time record goal-scorer Olivier Giroud is reportedly set to announce his retirement and bring his national team career to an end following the upcoming Euro 2024 in Germany.
The 37-year-old AC Milan striker revealed that he believes it would be the right time to step aside and allow the younger players to claim the vacant national team spots.
Olivier Giroud retirement announcement
As Didier Deschamps and his France side gear up for Euro 2024, Olivier Giroud took the opportunity to announce his decision about his future for the country. Speaking to Francois Verdenet and Loic Tanzi of French outlet L’Equipe, Giroud revealed he realized it is time to make way for the next generation.
He said,
“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.”
Having made his international debut against the United States in a friendly on 11/11/11, Olivier Giroud is currently France’s men’s all-time top scorer with 57 goals in 131 appearances. He also has 16 assists to his name, showing his ability to bring others into the game.
Giroud has won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with Les Bleus, along with the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League. The striker was also part of the squad that finished runners-up to Portugal in Euro 2016.
The Frenchman’s illustrious club career
Olivie Giroud has represented multiple top clubs across Europe, with his spell with Montpellier proving to be the launching pad for later stints with Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan.
His most notable time was with the Gunners, for whom he made 253 appearances, scoring 105 goals and providing 37 assists. Known for his incredible first touch, back-to-goal style, and flicks, Giroud was not the most prolific striker but helped his teammates get better. He won three FA Cups during his time at the Emirates Stadium.
Giroud then moved to Chelsea, for whom he made 119 appearances, scoring 39 goals and providing 14 assists. He won one FA Cup with the Blues as well, but added the coveted Champions League crown and also the Europa League trophy to his cabinet.
Now with AC Milan, the Frenchman has made 131 appearances for the club so far, scoring 48 goals and providing 20 assists. He won the 2021/22 Serie A with the Rossoneri.
Overall, he has amassed 285 goals and 97 assists in 717 senior club appearances throughout his career.
ALSO READ: