Speaking at his official unveiling press conference at LOSC Lille, Olivier Giroud (38) has said he has moved on from thinking about a call-up for the French National team. With the FIFA World Cup a year away, and a move to the North of France seeing The Blues‘ all time top scorer back into the limelight – the 38-year-old has admitted he is not thinking about a return to Didier Deschamps’ side.

At a press conference transcribed by RMC SportGiroud said “I’m not thinking about the French National team anymore. I’ve turned the page, time to make way for the youth!”

Giroud has joined Lille on a free transfer from Los Angeles FC after playing his final for the MLS side on Sunday evening before signing a one-year contract with DOGUES. The 2018 World Cup winner has not played in his native domestic league since 2012, when he left Montpellier HSC for Arsenal. In his final season in Ligue 1, Giroud led Montpellier to their first league title, scoring 21 goals.

Tezz | George Boxall