France striker Olivier Giroud confirms his retirement from international football at the age of 37 with an emotional statement on social media.
Long-serving France striker Olivier Giroud has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 37 following a 13-year Bleus career.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker hangs up his France boots as the greatest male goalscorer that his nation has ever seen, finding the back of the net 57 times in 137 appearances.
Giroud broke Thierry Henry’s all-time scoring record for Les Bleus at the 2022 World Cup, while his 137 caps also puts him third in the all-time men’s list behind Lilian Thuram (142) and Hugo Lloris (145).
A World Cup winner in 2018, the 37-year-old started every single game for his nation in their run to glory in Russia six years ago, albeit while failing to find the back of the net and setting up just one goal.
After a short-lived Euro 2020 campaign, Giroud struck a respectable four goals at the 2022 World Cup as Les Bleus suffered heartbreak at the hands of Argentina in the final, before being called up to Didier Deschamps’s squad for Euro 2024.
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Giroud reflects on ‘doubts’ after playing final France match
However, the veteran attacker only played a peripheral role for his country in Germany, failing to make the starting lineup once and earning just 56 minutes of action from four substitute appearances.
With Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani all available in the number nine position, Giroud – as expected – has called time on his career with Les Bleus with a moving social media message.
“The dreaded moment has arrived: the moment to bid farewell to the French national team,” the former AC Milan and Montpellier HSC attacker said in a statement on Instagram.
“My career with the French national team hasn’t always been a smooth ride. I’ve sometimes doubted and suffered criticism, but deep down I’ve never stopped believing.
“Hard work, humility and prayers have helped me through the difficult times. Thanks to the unfailing support of my wife and my four wonderful children, I’ve always found the strength to fight and come back even stronger each time.”
Giroud’s first cap for the senior France team came in a 1-0 friendly win over the USA in November 2011, before he netted his first Bleus goal a few months later in a 2-1 victory over Germany.
In addition to his record-breaking number of goals – which Mbappe, currently on 48 strikes, is expected to pass soon – Giroud provided 15 assists for his country, and head coach Deschamps also paid tribute to his “unwavering commitment” to the national team, even in difficult moments.
“Olivier can leave the French team with a sense of achievement. More generally, I’d like to highlight his unwavering commitment. For that, too, we must say bravo and thank you,” Deschamps said in a statement.
“It hasn’t always been easy for Olivier in the French national team, but he has never given up, always showing his seriousness, professionalism and fighting spirit.”
What next for Giroud after France retirement?
Giroud is confirmed to be joining Los Angeles FC in MLS following the expiry of his contract with AC Milan, and his move will be made official on Thursday when the secondary transfer window in North America opens.
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