Olivier Giroud hints at retirement if France wins Euro 2024
Olivier Giroud has hinted that he may retire after the Euro 2024.
Olivier Giroud is one of France’s most decorated footballers. The 37-year-old ‘target man’ has won practically every other title with Les Blues save the UEFA Euro Cup, which has always evaded him. He also hinted at a probable retirement from the national squad if they win the tournament outright.
AC Milan‘s forward stated: “I am missing this Euro. If we win it, I might bow out. This might also be the case if we don’t make it to the very end.” Giroud won the 2018 World Cup as well as the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Premier League, and the Puskas trophy.
Notable is his runner-up finish in the 2016 Euro Cup versus Portugal, which is regarded as his greatest effort. This strengthened his resolve to obtain the “missing” prize. Giroud has become Les Blues’ all-time leading scorer with 56 goals since joining the senior club in 2011. In an interview with RMC Sport, Giroud also said that if France won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he would consider retiring.
Olivier Giroud reacts to France’s Euro group stage match with the Netherlands
Olivier Giroud responded to France’s inclusion in the group stage against the Netherlands, Austria, and ‘playoff winner A’ (any team from Poland, Wales, Finland, and Estonia). In response, he believes that group D provides slightly softer opposition than the last Euro tournament, in which they were placed against Germany, Portugal, and Hungary.
Giroud also stated that the Netherlands are ‘known opponents’ with whom he has always competed. Meanwhile, in Austria, he stated: “They have good young players who play in big clubs.”
Giroud believes that Poland and Wales will pose a greater threat in the play-offs. Despite their incredible form and fearsome lineup, the #9 conceded that the group ‘would not be simple’ and that excellent matches would be required early in the campaign. Favourites France were knocked out of Euro 2020 in the Round of 16 by Switzerland.
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