In addition to being the greatest goalscorer in the history of the french selectionstriker Olivier Giroud reached another milestone in the match against Ireland, this Monday, for the Euro Cup Qualifiers. Upon entering the field, Giroud became the oldest player to wear France’s jersey as a starter at 36 years and 178 days.
Giroud was used by coach Didier Deschamps in the 1-0 win against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The striker’s participation made him surpass Lilian Thuram, who had set the last record by playing at 36 years and 164 days.
The mark could have been broken in the French team’s debut in the Euro Cup Qualifiers, but Giroud started the match on the bench. In the duel against the Netherlands, at the Stade de France, the striker only entered the field in the 32nd minute of the second half and participated in the final minutes of the 4-0 victory.
World champion in 2018, Giroud has already scored 52 times in 117 appearances for France. became the national team’s top scorer during the Qatar World Cup, in 2022, when he scored against Poland, in the round of 16. Giroud also became the oldest player to score a goal for the France national team.
“Am I getting better with age? Like a good wine. Many friends said the same. It is funny. I think so. I feel good physically and I still have the motivation to play at the best level”, declared the Milanfrom Italy, during the World Cup.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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