Olivier Giroud announces retirement from France national team after Euro 2024 before joining MLS, stating “It’s time to make way for the younger generation”

Olivier Giroud has announced his plans to retire from international duty with France after this summer’s European Championships in Germany.

The 37-year-old forward in France’s record goalscorer having netted 57 goals in 131 appearances, six more than second placed Thierry Henry.

Giroud, who was part of Les Blues World Cup winning squad in 2018, is due to move to MLS side Los Angeles FC when his AC Milan contract expires this summer.

The veteran revealed to L’Equipe that he will end his international career at the European Championships, where he is again expected to play an important role in Didier Deschamps squad.

‘You have to be honest, when you make a choice like that [moving to the MLS], it’s also to be able to enjoy your family a little more,’ Giroud said.

Giroud is France’s record goalscorer, with Kylian Mbappe, right, 11 behind and closing fast

The forward was part of France’s victorious squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

‘To be honest, you have to say that this will be my last competition with the Blues. Obviously, I’m going to miss it a lot. 

‘But I think that the French team will be finished after the Euro. We must give way to young people.’

Giroud has been a trusted player by Deschamps, who stuck by the forward despite him not having a shot on target in six matches at the 2018 World Cup.

France would go on to win the tournament in Russia, with Giroud remaining a fixture within the team since.

He was part of the side to finish as World Cup runners-up in Qatar in 2022, while he was part of the squad to make the European Championship final back in 2016.

France were beaten 1-0 after extra time by Portugal in front of their own fans in the final.

Giroud outlined his ambition to take France deep in this summer’s tournament in Germany, along with potentially reaching 60 goals for his nation.

‘It’s really the desire to go as far as possible in the competition with this generation that drives me. 

Giroud is expected to be a key player for France coach Didier Deschamps again at Euro 2024 

The forward hopes to reach 60 goals for France before moving to the MLS after the Euros

‘If I win, apart from the Premier League which is very difficult to win, I could say that I have won everything. 

‘I was told a lot about the 60 goal mark for the national team, we watch, but it’s not an obsession.’

Giroud also boasts multiple honours at club level, including league titles with Montpellier in France and AC Milan in Italy.

The forward has also won four FA Cups in England, three with Arsenal and one with Chelsea.

He was also part of the Chelsea squad that lifted the Champions League in 2021 and Europa League in 2019.