Olivier Giroud will no longer be playing for France after the forthcoming European Championship. The 37-year-old striker believes it is time to make way for younger players.
Giroud left AC Milan for Los Angeles FC earlier this month. He played 131 games for his country and was a key part of the team that won the World Cup in 2018.
With 57 goals, Giroud is France’s all-time top scorer. At the 2022 World Cup, he overtook Thierry Henry.
“This will be my last tournament with Les Bleus. And of course I’m going to miss it“, Giroud told L’Équipe. “The time has come for young players, and it’s important not to continue for too long to keep the balance.”
France were eliminated in the second round of Euro 2020, losing to Switzerland. France last won the Euro in 2000.
France are in Group D for the next European Championship, along with the Netherlands, Austria and Poland.