Outgoing Milan Star Set to Retire from International Football

Outgoing Milan striker Olivier Giroud will call time on his international career with France after the upcoming Euro 2024. In his recent interview with L’Equipe, the 37-year-old revealed his decision to quit the national team after the tournament and make room for the youngsters.

“Obviously, I’m going to miss it a lot, but I need to cede my place for the young players,” Giroud said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano. And just like that, European football will part with the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea marksman after a memorable 19 years.

In addition to hanging up his international boots, Giroud will physically leave Europe as he agreed to depart Milan and join MLS franchise Los Angeles FC in July. The prolific scorer has amassed 131 appearances for Les Bleus, featuring in three major international finals and lifting the World Cup title in 2018. 

Giroud’s playing career is entering its final stage, and there’s a risk he could retire as one of the most underrated strikers of his generation. But for Milan fans, he rides off into the sunset as a legend. After wandering between misfiring No. 9s and underachieving ‘has-beens,’ Rossoneri struck gold when they signed the Frenchman in 2021.

Little did anyone know Giroud’s acquisition would coincide with the club’s first Serie A title after over a decade. And his contribution was immense. Now’s the time to say goodbyes and wish each other all the best. Every true Milan fan can only appreciate what Giroud has done for the 19-time Scudetto winners.