Olivier Giroud Pens Emotional Farewell To France Upon International Retirement

Olivier Giroud has shared a heartfelt message with France's players and fans following the conclusion of his international career at Euro 2024. Giroud had previously announced his intention to retire from international football after the tournament in Germany. France reached the semi-finals but were defeated by Spain, who went on to win the championship.

The striker, who will now join MLS team Los Angeles FC after departing Milan, played a total of 59 minutes across four substitute appearances at Euro 2024. Giroud scored 57 goals in 137 matches for Les Bleus, surpassing Thierry Henry (51) and Kylian Mbappe (48) in France's all-time scoring records.

In a statement posted on X six years to the day after helping France win the 2018 World Cup, Giroud expressed his emotions: "The dreaded moment has arrived: that of saying goodbye to the France team."

Giroud continued: "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 have always supported each other, we have experienced joy and disappointment, victories and defeats, laughter and tears but were always united and supportive."

Reflecting on his journey with the national team, Giroud acknowledged it wasn't always easy: "My career with the France team has not always been a smooth ride. I doubted sometimes, I also suffered from criticism but deep down, I never stopped believing."

A New Role

Giroud concluded his message by pledging his continued support for Les Bleus: "From now on, I become the number one supporter of Les Bleus. This France team that I served for 13 years will remain forever engraved in my heart. It is my greatest pride and my most beautiful memory."

The veteran striker's departure marks the end of an era for French football as he transitions to a new chapter in Major League Soccer.

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