By Matthew Mcevoy
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World Cup winner Olivier Giroud has announced his retirement from international football.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker made his debut for France in 2011 aged 25, and finished a glittering international career as the country’s all-time top goal scorer, having netted 57 times in 137 appearances.
He played in six major tournaments and lifted the World Cup in 2018 after France beat Croatia 4-2. He was a runner-up in the 2022 edition, when Les Blues lost to Argentina and was also in the France squad for Euro 2016, finishing runners-up to Portugal.
Giroud, 37, is in the latter stages of an illustrious playing career, plying his trade in the US for Los Angeles FC.
And on Monday, the striker took to X (formerly Twitter) to take another step that indicates he is winding his career down, by calling time on playing for his national side.
Olivier Giroud has called time on a glittering international career with the French national team
Ma vie en Bleu 🇫🇷♥️🙏🏼 #FierdetreBleu pic.twitter.com/VHAxksO3fl
In a lengthy statement, the Frenchman wrote: ‘The dreaded moment has arrived: saying goodbye to the French team. Six years to the day after winning the World Cup. It was July 15, 2018.
‘What pride to wear this blue jersey and represent France. By joining this team, I found a second family with the players and staff.
‘We have always supported each other, we have experienced the joys and disappointments, the victories and defeats, the laughter and tears but always united and supportive
‘Despite our ups and downs, he allowed me to become the top scorer in the history of Les Bleus.
‘My career with the French team has not always been smooth sailing. I have doubted at times, suffered from criticism too, but deep down, I have never stopped believing in it. Work, humility and prayer have helped me get through the difficult times.
‘Thanks to the unwavering support of my wife and my four wonderful children, I have always found the strength to fight to come back even stronger each time.’
He lifted the World Cup in 2018 with France and also finished runner-up in the 2022 edition
Giroud netted 57 times in 137 games for France, making him their all-time top goal scorer
Earlier on Monday, Thomas Muller and Xherdan Shaqiri also announced their retirements from international football.
The 34-year-old has played 131 times for Germany, scoring 45 goals. Muller represented Germany at various youth levels, and was called up to the first team by Jochim Lowe in 2009.
Switzerland’s Shaqiri, 32, meanwhile did the same after 125 appearances and 32 goals.
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