Sun. Dec 22nd, 2024
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Olivier Giroud intends to step down from international duty with France after Euro 2024.

The AC Milan striker is France’s all-time top scorer, with 57 goals in 131 appearances and won the World Cup in 2018.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea forward has been named in Didier Deschamps’ provisional squad for the Euros, which start next month in Germany.

“This will be my last competition with Les Bleus. I’m going to miss it a lot,” Giroud told L’Equipe., external

“We need to make way for the youngsters. You also have to be careful not to have one season too many. You have to find the right balance.”

Giroud did not score, or have a shot on target, despite playing 465 minutes across six matches as France won the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

However, he scored four at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including a late winner against England in the quarter-finals. France went on to reach the final, where they were beaten on penalties by Argentina.

Giroud is expected to feature for Milan for the final time on Saturday when they host bottom club Salernitana on the last day of the Serie A season.

The 37-year-old, who is out of contract at the San Siro next month, has agreed to join American Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC after Euro 2024.

Giroud has signed an 18-month deal with the club, and has the option of a further year.

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