Sports
Olivier Giroud Speaks On Retirement From Football
French professional footballer, Olivier Giroud, has announced his decision to retire from international football following the upcoming European Championship.
In an interview with L’Equipe, Giroud expressed his desire to avoid prolonging his career beyond its optimal point.
Recently, the 37-year-old left AC Milan to join LAFC, a team in Major League Soccer.
Notably, Giroud has represented France in 131 matches and was part of the victorious World Cup squad in 2018.
Furthermore, he has surpassed Thierry Henry as Les Bleus’ top scorer.
“To be honest, this will be my last competition with Les Bleus. Obviously, I’m going to miss it a lot.
“But I think the French team will be over after the Euros. We need to make way for the youngsters. You also have to be careful not to have too many. You have to find the right balance.
“I’ve always said that I was going to stop when my body asked me to,” Giroud said.
In other news, Costa Rica’s 37-year-old goalkeeper, Keylor Navas, announced his retirement from international football, dispelling rumours of his participation in the upcoming Copa America.
Having made his international debut in 2008, Keylor Navas has played in three World Cups and accumulated 114 appearances for his national team. His standout performance was in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when he played a crucial role in guiding his team to the quarter-finals.
Keylor Navas made his final appearance for his national team in a friendly against Argentina in March. His retirement announcement confirms that he will not be participating in the upcoming Copa America, scheduled to take place in the United States from June 20 to July 14.
“This chapter of my life is coming to an end, I leave with my heart full of gratitude and my eyes looking forward, always carrying the name of our beloved Costa Rica,” the goalkeeper said in a video posted on social media.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling, difficult to accept, this stage has come to an end. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later because I know our paths will continue to cross. Thank you, Costa Rica, see you later, pura vida,” he added.
