In a significant development in the football world, Olivier Giroud, the all-time highest goalscorer for the French national team, has announced his decision to retire from international duty after the UEFA Euro 2024. The 37-year-old striker, who currently plays for AC Milan, will also make a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) club Los Angeles FC starting in July 2024.
Giroud, known for his remarkable record and consistency, shared his feelings about the upcoming retirement in an interview with L’Équipe. “Obviously, I’m going to miss it a lot, but I need to cede my place for the young players,” Giroud said, reflecting on his decade-long tenure with the French national team.
A Storied International Career
Olivier Giroud made his senior debut for France in 2011 at the age of 25. Over the years, he has earned over 130 caps and participated in six major tournaments. His international accolades include:
- Winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup
- Finishing as a runner-up in both the UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup
- Receiving the Bronze Boot as the joint second-highest goalscorer at UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup
A New Chapter with LAFC
Giroud’s move to LAFC marks a new chapter in his illustrious career. The transfer to the MLS club is a done deal and will see him joining the Los Angeles-based team in July 2024. This move is expected to bring significant experience and star power to LAFC, further bolstering their attacking options.
Club Career Achievements
Before his time with AC Milan, Giroud had an impressive club career that saw him play for various top-tier European clubs. He started his senior career at his hometown club Grenoble and later moved to Tours, where he was named Ligue 2 Player of the Year in 2010. His performances earned him a transfer to Montpellier, where he won the Ligue 1 title and finished as the league’s top goalscorer in 2012.
Giroud then moved to Arsenal in 2012, where he became the club’s eighteenth-highest all-time goalscorer and won three FA Cups. In 2018, he signed for Chelsea, winning the FA Cup, UEFA Europa League, and the UEFA Champions League. Giroud joined AC Milan in 2021 and played a crucial role in ending the club’s 11-year league title drought by winning the Serie A in the 2021-2022 season.
Performance Statistics
Giroud’s performance statistics with AC Milan have been commendable. In the 2023-2024 Serie A season, he made 34 appearances, scored 14 goals, and provided 8 assists. His rating for the season stands at 7.135294, reflecting his consistent impact on the pitch.
France’s Future Prospects
With Giroud stepping down, the French national team will look to its younger talents to fill the void. The squad includes promising players like Kylian Mbappé, Marcus Thuram, and Randal Kolo Muani, who are expected to lead the team’s attacking front in the coming years. The French squad also boasts a strong lineup of midfielders and defenders, including Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Theo Hernández, ensuring a balanced and competitive team for future tournaments.
Legacy and Impact
Olivier Giroud’s decision to retire from international football and move to LAFC is a significant moment in his career. His contributions to both club and country have been immense, and his presence in the MLS will undoubtedly elevate the league’s profile. As he prepares to step into this new phase, Giroud’s legacy as one of France’s greatest strikers remains firmly intact.
In conclusion, Olivier Giroud’s retirement from international duty after Euro 2024 and his subsequent move to LAFC marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new journey. His achievements and contributions to football will be remembered and celebrated by fans around the world.
