However, the Chelsea centre-forward isn’t ready to wind down his international career just yet, and is still eager to make his mark for France at Euro 2020, and beyond. While admitting he is advancing in years, Giroud dismissed suggestions his age is a factor and insisted pundits write him off at their peril.
‘I’m not finished, far from it,’ said Giroud, ahead of tonight’s final group fixture against Portugal. ‘Count on me, grandpa is not dead! I’m almost 35 but have the hunger of a 20-year-old guy.’
Giroud does acknowledge the fierce competition for places in the France squad as they attempt to follow up their World Cup success by adding a third Euros title to their list of honours. The squad is mostly full of fast and tricky forwards, though, with a very different skillset to the more traditional target man Giroud.
He feels that ability to add something different, with boss Deschamps frequently stating his admiration for what Giroud brings to the team, means he still has plenty to contribute for France.