France’s all-time leading goal-scorer, Olivier Giroud on Tuesday, July 16 confirmed his international retirement after France heartbreaking exit from the Euro 2024 after they went down 1-2 against Spain. The 37-year-old, who recently featured in France’s national jersey at the European Championships, called time on his career in a social media post.
“The long-dreaded moment has arrived: the moment of saying goodbye to the French national team,” Giroud began his post. “What a pride to wear this blue jersey and to represent France. By joining this team, I found a second family with the players and the staff. We’ve become an inseparable band of mates under the watchful eye of one man: the coach, Didier Deschamps, whom I thank for his trust. Despite our ups and downs, he has enabled me to become Les Bleus’ all-time top scorer,” he further added.
“We have always supported each other, we have experienced joy and disappointment, victories and defeats, laughter and tears but were always united and supportive. My career with the France team has not always. The France team I served for 13 years will always be engraved in my heart. It is my greatest pride and my fondest memory,” added the 37-year-old.
The French striker who had earlier in May said that Euro 2024 would be his last major international tournament, ended his 13-year-long career with record 57 goals in 137 appearances. Moreover, during his international career, Giroud won the World Cup 2018 and also lifted the European Championships as the runners-up.
The former Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan striker will join Major League Soccer club, Los Angeles FC from the next season.