Julia Solans (comment collected by Jacques Vendroux)
modified to
10:16 p.m., June 12, 2023
The Blues are again gathered at Clairefontaine for the two matches against Gibraltar and Greece, on June 16 and 19. Exclusively on Europe 1, Olivier Giroud confides in the rest of his career at AC Milan, drawing a parallel with the recent retirement of his club teammate, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, at 41 years old.
While the championships are over, the Blues met in Clairefontaine to prepare for the next two matches against Gibraltar and Greece as part of the Euro 2024 qualifiers. In an exclusive interview for Europe 1, Olivier Giroud looks back on various topics. The disappearance of Silvio Berlusconi, the phenomenon Novak Djokovic, but also the recent retirement of his AC Milan teammate, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, of whom a biopic is also planned on his life. The top scorer in the history of the France team takes the opportunity to draw a parallel with his future within the club.
A career as long as Zlatan, “why not?”
“He’s an example of longevity and an example of professionalism. We talked together, he’s very motivated and very passionate, just like me”, begins the centre-forward before adding: “After a while , your body and your physique are telling you ‘stop’ and I think for him it was time to stop”. Does Olivier Giroud see himself continuing until the age of 41 like his former Swedish teammate? The Frenchman has no specific opinion on the matter yet, but is being pursued at AC Milan.
“Why not? I don’t plan for the medium term or the short term. I’m still a year at AC Milan, after that we’ll see. I don’t set myself a limit, but for sure I will play as long as I will be able to really appreciate, take advantage of every moment and take maximum pleasure”, he explains. Arriving at the Milanese club in 2021, the French number 9 was able to celebrate a new title of Italian champion in 2022.
For the striker, the passion for the game is essential in order to pursue his career. “Why stop as long as I can continue?” concludes Olivier Giroud. At the age of 36, the top scorer in the history of the France team (53) still feels fit and says “the body is fine”. The Habs will be looking to increase their achievement counter against Gibraltar, the 201st nation in the FIFA rankings, this Friday, June 16. Kick off at 8:45 p.m.