The 37-year-old veteran Olivier
Giroud (name)
In a lengthy post via social media, he officially announced his retirement from the French national team, ending a 13-year career with the national team. In his farewell letter, Giroud reminisced about his time with the French team, including the glorious moment of winning the World Cup in 2018. He thanked his coaches and teammates for their company and support, and expressed his deep appreciation for the fans. Giroud left behind a record of 143 games and 57 goals with the national team, and his departure marks the end of an era in French soccer.
Giroux's long article
Farewell to the French team
The most "feared" moment has finally arrived: it's time to say goodbye to the French national team. It was July 15, 2018, the sixth anniversary of our World Cup victory. Memories come flooding back...
On July 12, 1998, I was 12 years old. On that night (when France beat Brazil), I vowed that one day I would be a world champion, and 13 years later, on November 11, 2011 (Giroud's France debut), that dream came true, and I was proud to represent France in the blue kit!
After joining this team, I have found a second family in my teammates and staff. We have always supported each other through joys and disappointments, victories and defeats, laughter and tears, but we have always been united.
We became inseparable under the watchful eye of one man, manager Didier Deschamps, whom I would like to thank for his faith in me. Despite our ups and downs, he helped me become the top scorer in France's history, with 57 goals in 143 appearances. I would also like to thank the quiet people behind the scenes whose kindness and professionalism ensured our safety and well-being.
My career with France has not been a smooth one. I have doubted myself and been hurt by criticism, but deep down I never stopped believing. Hard work, humility and prayers helped me get through the tough times. With the unwavering support of my wife and four lovely children, I always found the strength to keep fighting, getting stronger each time.
I will never forget the fans and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I feel incredibly happy to have brought them so much joy. Four dates will always be etched in my memory: November 19, 2013, when we beat Ukraine 3-0 (France beat Ukraine in the play-offs for the World Cup) and achieved "divine solidarity" with the French people.
Euro 2016, even though we lost in the final (France 0-1 Portugal), which remains one of the most painful experiences for the French team, was an unforgettable adventure of life throughout the tournament.
Jul 15, 2018 ... The Holy Grail (France won the 2018 World Cup)! A lifelong goal! I still remember the moment we hugged each other and shouted "We did it!" We did it! Yes, we did it. We are world champions! And finally, the 2022 World Cup.
Despite the huge disappointment of losing the final, the tournament remains one of the most memorable memories of my career. I scored four goals, the third of which allowed me to break Henry's record, and the fourth was the goal against England that sent us to the semi-finals.
Now a new chapter is about to begin... I'm about to embark on a new adventure. From now on, I'm France's number one fan. This French team that I played for for 13 years will be forever engraved in my heart as my greatest pride and fondest memory.
