As we gear up for the 2024 UEFA European Championship, several seasoned players will be retiring from international football after this year’s tournament. One of them is France’s Olivier Giroud, who will end his 13-year stint with the national team. Despite having no set expectations for playing time, Giroud is determined to make the most of his final Euros, hoping to lead the team to victory with the help of the next generation of talented players. Another notable player who will be playing in his last Euros is Germany’s veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who will have to share the spotlight with four other goalkeepers in their tentative squad. With the end of their international careers on the horizon, these players will be giving it their all to leave a lasting mark on the history of European football.
International Football Stars Saying Farewell: Giroud and Neuer to Retire After UEFA Euros
As the 2024 UEFA European Championship (Euro 2024) approaches, two legendary footballers have announced their impending retirement from international play. Olivier Giroud of France and Manuel Neuer of Germany will end their illustrious careers with their national teams after the tournament.
Olivier Giroud: A Striking Legacy
Olivier Giroud, the enigmatic French striker, has been a mainstay in the Les Bleus lineup for 13 years. With 53 goals in 120 appearances, he is France's second all-time leading scorer. Giroud's aerial prowess and clinical finishing have been instrumental in France's success, including their FIFA World Cup victory in 2018.
Despite uncertainty over his playing time at Euro 2024, Giroud remains determined to finish his international career on a high note. "I want to give everything, to help the team, and to be remembered as someone who fought until the end," he said.
Manuel Neuer: Goalkeeping Excellence
Manuel Neuer, the German goalkeeper, has been regarded as one of the best in the world for over a decade. With 117 caps for Germany, he has been a key figure in their FIFA World Cup triumph in 2014 and their Confederations Cup victory in 2017. Neuer's agility, reflexes, and shot-stopping abilities have set him apart as an exceptional goalkeeper.
However, with the emergence of several promising young keepers, Neuer will face competition for playing time at Euro 2024. Nonetheless, he remains focused on making a memorable exit. "I want to play as many games as possible, to leave a mark, and to inspire the next generation," he stated.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who else is expected to retire from international football after Euro 2024? Answer: No other major player announcements have been made yet.
2. How old will Giroud and Neuer be at the time of their retirement? Answer: Giroud will be 37 years old and Neuer will be 39 years old.
3. Who will replace Giroud and Neuer in the French and German national teams? Answer: Kylian Mbappé and Marc-André ter Stegen are potential successors for their respective positions.
4. Which team is the favorite to win Euro 2024? Answer: It is too early to predict, but countries like France, Germany, England, and Spain are among the contenders.
5. Where will Euro 2024 be held? Answer: Euro 2024 will be held in Germany.
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