Olivier Giroud will remain a monument of French football even when his records are surpassed.
Currently the top scorer for the French national team with 57 goals in 137 appearances, the 38-year-old striker has won a World Cup title and played in three major tournament finals with Les Bleus. In the summer, after the European Championship, he decided to leave the national team, and in a recent interview, he revealed some behind-the-scenes details, as relayed via Milannews.it.
"It's better this way because now I spend more time with my family. My family is happy—only my children were a bit disappointed that I stopped playing for the French national team because they enjoyed it, but I explained to them that it was time to make room for younger players," the former Milan player told Stats Perform.
"I did my part, and I couldn't have hoped for a better career with Les Bleus: becoming the all-time top scorer, winning the World Cup, and playing in three major finals (Euro 2016, World Cup 2018, World Cup 2022). It was incredible, and there's nothing more important than the national team. I'm really proud of what I achieved, proud of my family and friends."
Giroud added:
"I left the highest level of European football while playing for Milan and a major competition with France—it was the right time to say goodbye. Of course, I miss the national team, as well as the responsibility of representing my country on the field, but I'm happy that there are young players ready to carry the flag high."
