Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Milan striker Olivier Giroud will definitely be leaving Serie A at the end of the 2023-24 season to join Los Angeles FC in MLS, and has also promised that his decision to move to the States will have no impact on the Euro 2024 squad selection.
Deschamps spoke in-depth about the veteran Rossoneri forward during an interview with AFP, published on Wednesday.
Giroud, who has spent three seasons in San Siro, has been rumoured to be nearing a move to the United States for much of the 2023-24 campaign, and officially penned a pre-contract agreement with LAFC back in April.
He will turn 38 years of age in September.
Deschamps on Giroud’s hopes of Euro 2024 call-up
“Olivier has made a sporting choice and a life choice. Despite his age, he still has a burning fire within him. Maybe it’s also an opportunity to meet up with Hugo (Lloris) and his family again.
The former France captain is the current LAFC goalkeeper after leaving Premier League side Tottenham at the end of last summer.
Continuing, Deschamps confirmed that Giroud’s decision to move to MLS will have no influence on whether or not he is included for the summer Euros squad.
The French CT added: “He wants to continue his career, but with slightly fewer demands than in Europe. But that doesn’t change my choice, given that he will stay with Milan until the end of the season.
“Olivier has experience, an incredible background, but there will be competition for him, just like with everybody else. It’s not the transfer that will gain or lose him a place in the squad in my eyes.”
#Giroud lascia il #Milan e va a Los Angeles, Deschamps conferma: 'Scelta sportiva e di vita' https://t.co/JCjmCXK75L
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) May 1, 2024