Olivier Giroud, France’s all-time main goalscorer, will not be following Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane into international retirement.
- Striker has 56 objectives for his nation
- Is now 36 years of age
- Intends to play on to Euro 2024
WHAT HAPPENED? The veteran frontman, with a record-setting haul of 56 goals to his name via 120 appearances for his nation, is now 36 years of age. Giroud is, nonetheless, still going strong at club level with Serie A giants AC Milan and believes he has loads to supply Les Bleus on the again of a gut-wrenching defeat to Argentina in the final of the 2022 World Cup.
WHAT THEY SAID: Giroud has advised France 2 when requested if he plans on ruling himself out of rivalry for future name-ups from nationwide crew coach Didier Deschamps: “No, no, it’s not over. Emotions, I hope there will still be some to come. I’m not ready to hang up [my boots], to take off this blue jersey which is close to my heart. I have the motivation to continue and the physique too, I feel good. For the moment I am still selectable and a player of the France team.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Giroud overtook the legendary Thierry Henry to develop into France’s main marksman on the World Cup finals in Qatar and has seen the likes of Benzema, Varane and triumphant 2018 captain Hugo Lloris head into international retirement since then.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
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WHAT NEXT? With Giroud meaning to play on, he will hope to determine prominently for France after they get their Euro 2024 qualification underway towards the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland in March.
