All posts by h716a5.icu

Rising United States star Rokas Pukstas has decided to sign a new contract at Hajduk Split despite interest from other teams in Europe.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Pukstas agrees new deal with HajdukMidfielder will sign until 2027Impressing in Croatian top flightWHAT HAPPENED?

The midfielder has agreed to extend his stay at the Croatian club. According to, he will sign an extension that keeps him tied to Hajduk until 2027. Pukstas' current deal runs until 2025 but he will put pen to paper on a new contract soon.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Pukstas' impressive performances for Hajduk and the United States youth teams have reportedly caught the attention of several teams across the continent. The 19-year-old has already scored three goals in seven league games for Hajduk this season, despite having to overcome a cruciate ligament injury.

DID YOU KNOW?

Pukstas joined Hajduk from the Barca Academy in his homeland in 2020 and rose through the youth system to make his first-team breakthrough in 2022. He has made 12 appearance for the USA Under-20s, including in the U20 World Cup this year where they reached the quarter-finals.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR PUKSTAS?

Pukstas will hope to maintain his strong form for Hajduk to boost his chances of playing a key role for the national team at the Olympic Games in Paris next year. He will also have his eye on making the cut for the 2026 World Cup with the USMNT.

The two new signings bossed the midfield at St. James' Park, while Mitrovic came up big for Fulham with a double in the Cottagers' victory

Getty1ST | Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)Zaha is now Crystal Palace's top scorer in Premier League history (24), overtaking Chris Armstrong who netted 23 goals in the competition for the Eagles.AdvertisementGetty2ST | Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)Mitrovic has scored 15 league goals since his debut for the Cottagers in February – no player has more in the top four tiers of English football in that time (Mo Salah has also scored 15).Getty3ST | Andre Schurrle (Fulham)Andre Schurrle scored his first Premier League goal for Fulham – his goal was the 11th shot he’d had in the match.ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty4CM | Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea)Kovacic completed 96 of his 104 passes in Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Newcastle (92.3%) – creating more chances than any of his teammates (3).

Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller has explained his choice in the long-running Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT debate.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Argentine & Portuguese superstars are all-time greatsHave broken countless records between themGerman ace favours one over the otherWHAT HAPPENED?

Two eternal rivals have spent their entire careers battling it out against one another for the right to be considered the greatest of all-time. They have won 12 Ballons d’Or between them and broken countless records in domestic, continental and international competition.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Germany international Muller has lined up against both down the years and has told when asked to make his pick between two modern day legends: “Who is the greatest of all time? The GOAT for me is Messi because he makes people say 'I go to the stadium because of his elegance' and at the same time he is very effective in scoring goals and achieving records and titles. Cristiano is also a strong candidate in two categories which are stats and titles, but Messi is simply more subtle and elegant.”

AND WHAT'S MORE

Messi has scored more goals at club level than Ronaldo – 720 to 715 – and also leads the current Al-Nassr forward when it comes to assists, having teed up 342 efforts for grateful team-mates compared to the haul of 226 from his Portuguese foe.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Messi has more individual and collective titles than Ronaldo – who has played two more seasons in his senior career – but it is the history-making Portugal international that boasts the most goals for his country and more efforts in the Champions League.

Andre Onana will “make mistakes” for Manchester United despite boasting one “absolutely crazy” attribute, says Andy Cole.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Cameroonian star acquired for big moneyStill adjusting to life in EnglandBacked to be a shrewd addition for Red DevilsWHAT HAPPENED?

The Cameroonian goalkeeper, who has been recalled by his national team this season, completed a £47 million ($60m) move to Old Trafford from Inter Milan during the summer transfer window. He has endured a testing start to life in England – with a pre-season outing that saw him lobbed from the halfway line being followed by criticism of performances in the Premier League that have seen him concede some questionable goals.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Onana is, however, still finding his feet and Cole believes that the 27-year-old will prove to be a shrewd addition to the Red Devils squad. He is always going to have an error in him, which may prove costly at times, but his distribution is expected to serve United well as they continue to play out from the back.

WHAT THEY SAID

Former United striker Cole – who formed part of the club’s Treble-winning squad in 1999 – has told of Onana: “His distribution’s absolutely crazy. As a player in a team, regardless of whatever position you play in, you’re going to make mistakes from time to time. That’s part and parcel of football. I watched him during Manchester United’s pre-season tour and his distribution is absolutely ridiculous and he seems like a very commanding goalkeeper. It’s been a difficult start for him as there’s no way he would have thought that he would have conceded so many goals at the start of his Manchester United career, but he’s a very, very good goalkeeper.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

United have picked up six points from three games in the 2023-24 season, with battling qualities on full display, and they will be back in action on Sunday when taking in a trip to old adversaries, Arsenal.

A number of United States national team internationals are dotted throughout the biggest clubs in Europe in the knockout stage

The Champions League 2020-21 knockout stage has arrived and there are a number of intriguing match-ups as Europe's elite battle it out for supremacy.

Littered among some of the top teams are a selection of U.S. national team stars, with a number of players notably competing across the Bundesliga, La Liga and the Premier League.

Goal takes a look at the USMNT players who are involved in the Champions League last 16 this season.

GettyTyler Adams | RB Leipzig

Tyler Adams made his first-ever Champions League start for RB Leipzig in disappointing circumstances as the Bundesliga side suffered a 2-0 first-leg defeat against Liverpool in the last 16. The midfielder's experience of the competition prior to that point included substitute appearances against the likes of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain in the group stage.

AdvertisementGettyKonrad de la Fuente | Barcelona

A regular for Barcelona's youth and B teams, Konrad de la Fuente has featured in the Champions League twice this season, coming on as a substitute in victories over Dynamo Kiev and Ferencvaros. The teenage forward is still on the periphery of the first team at Camp Nou, but will be eager to make a mark at the club in the coming months.

GettySergino Dest | Barcelona

Netherlands-born Sergino Dest shone for Ajax in the Champions League in 2019-20 and has been a firm fixture for Barcelona in the 2020-21 edition of the competition. A flying wing-back, Dest scored for the Catalan giants in their 4-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev last November.

The 20-year-old started Barca's chastening 4-1 defeat in the first leg of the last 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain, but endured a difficult evening as Kylian Mbappe and Co. ran riot. One moment of the game, when Gerard Pique could be heard reminding Dest that Mbappe was right-footed, was a reminder that the right-back still has plenty to learn and he will be keen to improve in the second leg. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWeston McKennie | Juventus

Since making the switch to Juventus from Schalke, Weston McKennie has been impressive and he will be keen to play a part in the last 16 of the Champions League as the Bianconeri take on Porto. McKennie featured prominently enough for Juve in the group stage and even bagged a goal in December's 3-0 win over Barcelona.

Zinedine Zidane has revealed that he is "a big fan" of Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham, as he hailed the Englishman's "incredible" performances.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Zidane revealed himself to be a fan of Bellingham English midfielder shares Zidane's famous No.5 jersey Has scored 20 goals already this season with Los Blancos Getty/GOALWHAT HAPPENED?

When Bellingham moved to the Spanish capital in the summer, he decided to wear the No.5 jersey at Real Madrid, an iconic shirt previously worn by Zidane himself. While many scoffed at the daring of a 20-year-old, his performances on the pitch have silenced his critics and now the former midfield maestro himself has lavished praise on the youngster.

AdvertisementWHAT ZIDANE SAID

During a chat with , Zidane said: "He’s an unbelievable player who does incredible things. You could have imagined what he was going to do, but he’s surpassed all the statistics with what he’s doing.

"Don’t forget that he’s only 20 years old. He arrived at Real Madrid with a lot of desire, a lot of goals and he is setting the bar very high. He’s just showing everyone what he is and it’s great to see him like that. I’m a big fan of his and now we want him to win trophies with Real Madrid. It’s everything he wanted for himself.”

Getty/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Bellingham has become the poster boy of Adidas and has featured in several commercials promoting the new line of Adidas predator boots, which was once worn by Zidane. He first wore those boots against Napoli in the Champions League and also scored the second goal for his team in a 4-2 win over the reigning Serie A champions.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT?

Bellingham has 20 goals and eight assists to his name in his maiden campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu. He leads the goal-scoring charts in La Liga and has already surpassed Zidane's tally of most strikes in a season for the club with a brace against Barcelona earlier in October.

Peter Willey and George Sharp, the highly respected umpires, have been forced to retire not through failing eyesight or sciatica but as the result of a finding by a judge at a central London employment hearing

Ivo Tennant13-Mar-2015Peter Willey and George Sharp, the highly respected umpires, have been forced to retire not through failing eyesight or sciatica but as the result of a finding by a judge at a central London employment hearing. They took the ECB to the tribunal last month on the basis of age discrimination and unfair dismissal, but their manager’s policy of a retirement age of 65 and desire to promote retired cricketers on to the first-class umpiring list was upheld.The ruling, which the ECB said backed up a policy that was “in the interests of inter-generational fairness”, means that the governing body can continue to move on senior umpires in favour of providing a pathway for those coming in to the profession, regardless of capability. Since a 2011 change to employment legislation, employers have had to come up with a justification as to why individuals must retire at 65.Willey and Sharp were supposed to have retired at the end of last season but felt they were fit enough to continue. Both were renowned for their firm discipline and respected accordingly by cricketers.Chris Kelly, the ECB’s umpires manager, said that there was no issue with their standards, fitness or eyesight but wanted them to stand down while they were still at the top of their game “with dignity,” as he told the tribunal. The salient finding by the judge was that if they were to continue, there would be less opportunity on the first-class list for retired players. Prospect, the trade union, will pay the legal costs incurred by the two men.”I have a good run but I am disappointed for umpires in future,” Willey said. “That’s it – I won’t umpire at any level now. I’ll go and watch my son, David, playing for Northamptonshire, I have a grandson to look after and I’ll go on holiday in the summer with my wife for a change.”He and Sharp, his former Northamptonshire colleague who has undertaken a course in scoring in an attempt to remain in the game, will be replaced this season by Paul Baldwin and Russell Evans.There will be concern for Willey’s wellbeing given that he admitted in his witness statement that his family felt he would suffer from depression if he did not stay in the game. Cricket at county and Test level, followed by umpiring, has been his life since he made his first-class debut for Northamptonshire at the age of 16.”We shall do everything we can to support him,” Alan Leighton, Prospect’s national secretary, said. “I am not entirely surprised by the finding and I hope this has not soured our relationship with the ECB. Each side will pay their own legal teams, although it is open for one to do so against the other.”Leighton felt this finding could have a knock-on effect in other sports and professions if the retirement age of 65 is challenged again. “But the bigger issue is that first-class umpires are further up the pyramid than football referees, as there are far fewer of them,” he said. Other umpires who have remained as fit as Willey and Sharp, notably Ray Julian, have requested to be allowed to stay on beyond 65 in the past, but have been turned down. Dickie Bird would doubtless still like to be umpiring today.The ECB said: “We welcome the decision, which recognises that our current retirement policy for umpires is firmly based on sound legal principles and not discriminatory on grounds of age. ECB will continue to implement a retirement age of 65 in the interests of inter-generational fairness and in order to ensure that umpiring remains a viable career option for professional cricketers who are nearing the end of their playing careers. We would also like to thank George Sharp and Peter Willey for their contribution to our first -class game and wish them well in their retirement.”

Arteta to Ten Hag, Klopp to Tuchel – here's the best of the press conference quotes from the traditional 'big six' clubs

Walkouts, fancy dress, arguments and standing ovations – the Premier League pre-match press conferences have seen it all over the years.

With Arteta, Klopp, Guardiola, Ten Hag, Conte and Tuchel all managing in England, here's the best of the big-six press conferences, every weekend.

Getty ImagesJurgen Klopp (Liverpool)

THE BIG TALKING POINT

Ahead of arguably the biggest game on the Premier League calendar, Jurgen Klopp was asked about comparisons between his start at Liverpool and Erik ten Hag's at Manchester United.

"For me, it was easier because I didn't come for the start of a season," he claimed. "I didn't have a transfer window. In England, people tend to then say 'it's not his team' so whatever I did, it was never my team. I actually thought after just one day that it was my team so I felt really responsible for all the performances from the first game.

"But it's easier and I don't think you can really compare it, different times. My arrival was obviously seven years ago, it's a long time in football – nearly a decade. A lot of things have changed since then.

"It's not easy, definitely not. Especially when you have to rebuild or whatever, however they see it but change a lot of things."

TELL US ABOUT TRANSFERS

With a potential departure for Naby Keita being reported in the last few days, Klopp was clear in stating that there was nothing behind those particular rumours.

"It's really funny, I have to respond on news. What you would learn if you sit on my side of the table how often 0.0 [substance] is behind news. Then you would think 'oh really, what can I believe?' No, absolutely nothing [in the Keita rumours].

"Naby was ill for a week, last week on the bench, last game on the bench, he's full in training and looks really good, all fine. But he's not a player who is overly happy when he's not playing but that's completely fine. Nobody came to me and asked me anything about it."

THE TEAM NEWS

Klopp claimed that Roberto Firmino "trained yesterday and is ready" for the trip to Old Trafford which will come as a relief following Darwin Nunez's three-match ban.

He then claimed that Joe Gomez will start after he was only fit enough to make the bench in the draw against Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones are continuing their respective comebacks from injury but are not quite at a stage where they are available for selection.

NEXT FIXTURE

Manchester United (A), August 22

AdvertisementGettyMikel Arteta (Arsenal)

THE BIG TALKING POINT

With matters on the pitch certainly taking care of themselves at Arsenal so far this season, attention off the field has turned to potential further incomings. Mikel Arteta was asked whether there will be any more players coming through the door at the Emirates this summer.

"It has to be the right person and it has to be the right player," claimed the Spaniard. "And we want to only bring top quality through that door. If not, it's not worth it.

"I will be totally happy [if we don't sign anyone else] and focused on getting the best of those players, for sure."

TELL US MORE ABOUT TRANSFERS

There isn't too much speculation linking Arsenal with incomings but departures are likely to follow before the transfer window closes at the end of the month. Firstly, Arteta discussed rumours linking Nicolas Pepe with a move back to Ligue 1.

"When we communicate, we always do when it is the right moment," he said. "We discussed that we have a big squad, we have made some decisions and we allowed some players [the chance to leave] and while the window is open, everything is possible with any player."

Then, he was asked about Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Hector Bellerin. He responded: "Again, we are addressing those things personally and internally."

THE TEAM NEWS

Arteta passed his squad with a clean bill of health going into Saturday's clash at Bournemouth. He confirmed that Emile Smith-Rowe, Cedric Soares and new signing Fabio Vieira had played with the Under-21s and were available for selection.

NEXT FIXTURE

Bournemouth (A), August 21

Getty ImagesAntonio Conte (Tottenham)

THE BIG TALKING POINT

Conte stole the vast majority of the headlines in Tottenham's draw at Chelsea for his touchline spat with Thomas Tuchel. The pair of managers were shown red cards by Anthony Taylor and have subsequently been charged by the FA.

Responding to a question about the punishment, the Italian said: "I see that the FA made us, both coaches, more soft charge, no? And we have to accept. We have to accept and have respect for every decision. But I think sometimes this type of situation can happen.

"It's not the first time, it won't be the last time that two coaches are not in the right way or do not agree. But the most important thing is we have to move on, to have respect for each other. And for me, the situation finishes there."

Conte was then asked whether he expects to be on the touchline for the visit of Wolves on Saturday. He replied: "I hope so. I think that it's right, it's right to stay in my place.

"Then I repeat for sure after this type of situation you can learn a lot but at the same time I think that for many situations I was really good to keep calm and don't have an excessive reaction in the situation."

TELL US ABOUT TRANSFERS

"We're okay [for squad depth]. But if someone goes away, for sure another player has to come. Especially if some players want to go to play regularly. It's difficult to keep them here," Conte said.

"But at the same time, it has to be very clear that if a player wants to go play, I have to replace this player. This is very important. We need to have a squad capable to face a lot of games until November. This is very important for me."

TEAM NEWS

"Cristian [Romero] had a little problem during the game against Chelsea in the final part of the game, but it’s a little problem. For this reason for the game against Wolverhampton he’s not available," said Conte.

"The other player not available for Wolverhampton is [Oliver] Skipp but good news about him because today or tomorrow he will run again. This is really good news."

NEXT FIXTURE

Wolves (H) August 20

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesPep Guardiola (Manchester City)

THE BIG TALKING POINT

Despite putting on an assist for Ilkay Gundogan in Manchester City's 4-0 win against Bournemouth last weekend, there have been questions asked of Erling Haaland's lack of input after he made just two passes throughout the whole game. Unsurprisingly, Pep Guardiola isn't unduly worried.

"We are delighted with Erling," he claimed. "The little details still we miss but not just with him, with everything. It's a question of time.

"I don't have any doubts. Like all the new players, it's a question of time with the connections, the chemistry on the pitch with the right moments, the right tempo with the players. This is a question of games, games and games."

TELL US ABOUT TRANSFERS

As they often do, Manchester City got all of their summer business out the way nice and early to avoid any late panic. That being said, Guardiola was still asked if the window is finished as far as he is concerned.

"Apparently yeah," he answered. "Unless someone moves or if there's a problem we don't expect.

TEAM NEWS
Like Arteta, Guardiola has a full squad to choose from this weekend. He confirmed that Cole Palmer and Kalvin Phillips are back to full fitness and ready for selection.

NEXT FIXTURE

Newcastle United (A) August 21

How to watch the Euro 2024 qualifier between the Republic of Ireland and World Cup runners-up France.

The Republic of Ireland embark on their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign on Monday when they host France at Lansdowne Road in Dublin.

💻 Watch Ireland vs France with fubo

Stephen Kenny's Boys in Green are expected to be up against it against Kylian Mbappe and co., who come into the game after a resounding 4-0 victory over the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the Irish scraped to a 3-2 win over Latvia in a warm-up friendly last week.

Of course, there is a slight edge to this fixture since the 2010 World Cup play-off scandal, where France advanced to the tournament with the help of a Thierry Henry handball, but it is not likely to weigh heavy on the minds of the younger players.

Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about the match, including where to watch on TV and stream it live online.

GOALKick-off timeDate:March 27, 2023Kick-off time: 2:45pm ET Venue:Aviva Stadium, Dublin

The game between Ireland and France will take place on Monday March 27, 2023 and it is scheduled to kick off at 2:45pm ET.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesHow to watch Ireland vs France online – TV channels & live streamsTV channels & streaming options

Country TV channel Live stream

U.S.FS1fubo

In the United States, the game can be streamed live online with fubo – sign up to watch here – or watched live on TV on FS1.

GettyTeam news & squadsIreland team news

There will be a number of changes to the Ireland team that defeated Latvia last Wednesday, with Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu expected to replace Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher between the posts.

Atletico Madrid right-back Matt Doherty wore the captain's armband in the last game, but his place is under threat from chief captain Seamus Coleman, with the Everton defender enjoying more regular game time in the Premier League.

Midfielders Josh Cullen and Jason Knight are likely to come into the reckoning, having been rested, but Will Smallbone's performance against Latvia has given the head coach a dilemma. Sheffield United centre-back John Egan is expected to return to the heart of the defence, while Evan Ferguson, who was recently included in the 2023 NXGN list, will continue to lead the attack.

Ireland are missing a number of experienced campaigners for the game, including Fulham centre-back Shane Duffy, 60-cap winger Robbie Brady and forward Callum Robinson, who has eight goals to his name for the Boys in Green.

Position Players

Goalkeepers:Bazunu, Kelleher, TraversDefenders:McClean, Coleman, Doherty, Egan, O'Dowda, O'Shea, Collins, OmobamideleMidfielders:Hendrick, Browne, Cullen, Molumby, Knight, McGrath, Sykes, SmallboneForwards:Parrott, Ogbene, Idah, Obafemi, Keane, Ferguson, JohnstonFrance team news

The Euro 2024 qualifying campaign marks something of a turning point for Les Bleus, with experienced heads such as Raphael Varane and Hugo Lloris passing the torch to a new generation, while Mbappehas been handed the captain's armband.

Didier Deschamps' decision to give the honour to the Paris Saint-Germain striker ahead of Antoine Griezmann prompted a flurry of controversy and headlines, but the noise has evidently not distracted the players, who put on a polished display against the Dutch last time out.

As such, Deschamps is unlikely to make many changes for the game against Ireland. Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate will continue as the centre-back pairing in front of new number one, Mike Maignan. Mbappe, Griezmann and Kingsley Coman will provide the pace and guile to support either Randal Kolo Muani or Olivier Giroud in attack.

Position Players

Goalkeepers:Samba, Maignan, AreolaDefenders:Pavard, Disasi, Upamecano, Kounde, Konate, Todibo, TheoMidfielders:Fofana, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Veretout, K. Thuram, CamavingaForwards:Mbappe, Griezmann, Giroud, M. Thuram, Muani, Diaby, ComanHead-to-head record

Date Result Competition

May 28, 2018France 2-0 IrelandFriendlyJun 26, 2016France 2-1 IrelandEuro 2016Nov 18, 2009France 1-1 IrelandWorld Cup 2010 play-offNov 14, 2009Ireland 0-1 FranceWorld Cup 2010 play-offSep 7, 2005Ireland 0-1 FranceWorld Cup 2006 qualifying

France have not lost in their last seven meetings with Ireland, recording four victories and three draws against the Boys in Green. The last time Ireland beat France was on October 14, 1981, when goals from Frank Stapleton and Michael Robinson helped them on their way to a famous win in the 1982 World Cup qualifying stage.

The last meeting between the sides was a friendly game in 2018, which France won 2-0 thanks to goals from Giroud and Nabil Fekir. Interestingly, among those to play in that game was Declan Rice, who later switched international allegiance to England.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesUseful linksIreland team pageFrance team pageEuro 2024 qualifying newsEuro 2024 qualifying tablesWho are France's all-time top scorers?Live soccer on TV & streaming in the U.S.

Olivier Giroud has hinted at retiring from international football after Euro 2024 as he labels it the "missing" trophy in his collection.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Giroud keen to win Euro 2024Desperate to add missing trophy to his cabinetWas cautious in his assessment after Euro 2024 drawWHAT HAPPENED?

The forward was keeping a close eye on the Euro 2024 draw, which unfolded in Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie on Saturday, and saw France being drawn into Group D alongside Austria, the Netherlands, and the playoff winner A (among Poland, Wales, Finland and Estonia). It is one of the tournaments that Giroud is yet to win in his illustrious career and the 37-year-old vowed to keep no stone unturned to finish on the podium on July 14 in Berlin. It could potentially be a milestone match for the former Arsenal hitman as the forward revealed that he is contemplating hanging up his boots after the continental event.

AdvertisementWHAT GIROUD SAID ABOUT RETIREMENT

Speaking to , Giroud said: "I am missing this Euro. If we win it, I will bow out. That might also be the case if we don't make it to the end. I'm enjoying every moment. I said to some guys that if we won the 2022 World Cup, I was withdrawing. But I am hungry for titles with my country. I have a lot of hopes and ambitions. If it goes well, it is possible that it could be a possibility."

GettyWHAT GIROUD SAID ABOUT THE DRAW

Giroud was content with the draw results as he feels they have been placed in a relatively easier group than in 2021, where they had to take on Germany, Portugal, and Hungary in the round-robin stage.

"We know the Netherlands very well, it has always been contested against them. We will wait for the barrage because on paper, Wales and Poland are perhaps more armed. It is perhaps a draw more lenient than the last Euro," he said. "Austria has good young people. There are guys who play in big clubs. We have to move into this group but it won't be easy and it will make for good matches."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR GIROUD?

Giroud made his debut for France against the USA in November 2011 and has netted 56 times for Les Bleus, which makes him the all-time leading goalscorer for his national team. he has been in prolific form in this campaign as he boasts of having seven goals in 11 matches for AC Milan in Serie A. He will be back in action against Atalanta on December 9 after missing the fixture against Frosinone due to suspension.