AFP reported: Former Arsenal and AC Milan star, Giroud, the all-time leading goalscorer in France’s history, has said that his decision to move to the United States is essentially a retirement from the national team, as he believes it’s time to pass the torch to the younger generation.
Giroud left AC Milan this summer to join Los Angeles FC in the United States. He said: “I have to face reality. I’m about to turn 38, so I decided to play in the United States. Is the 2024 European Championship my last major tournament? We all know that to be called up to the French national team, you have to play in major European leagues … Feelings about the farewell moment? There are many memories, but I try not to think about it too much. The most important thing is always the team’s achievements. As for personal gains and losses, they have to come after that.”
For a while, Giroud has been trying to pass on his experience to players under the age of 25 in the French team. However, Giroud doesn’t like being called “Grandpa” and prefers to be defined as a “big brother” to the younger players. He said: “I try to speak more on the pitch, and if the young players need my help, I will be there to support them. Maybe I have a gap in playing experience compared to them, but I don’t really think I can’t keep up with them, because in my opinion, I’m actually younger than my actual age. I can joke with them, and I also enjoy the music they listen to.” That said, usually when an older person repeatedly emphasizes that “I’m not out,” it proves that he really feels like he’s getting old.
Giroud made his debut for France in 2011, and after 13 years, he has played 133 times for France and scored 57 goals, making him the first name on France’s all-time scoring list. Who will be Giroud’s successor for France? Giroud said that one possibility is Inter Milan’s Thuram, even though the two were derby rivals during Giroud’s time at AC Milan: “I have a very good relationship with him. Who will be the center forward for France in the future? The important thing is that it’s time to pass the torch to the young generation.”
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