France’s top scorer Olivier Giroud’s international career came to an end softly on Tuesday, with a late cameo appearance in their 2-1 semi-final loss to Spain in the European Championship.

Giroud made 137 appearances for Les Bleus and scored 57 goals, more than any other player in France.

Hopes of a last swansong in Germany were dashed when he was sent to the bench, where he played 56 minutes of game time in four substitute appearances and two shots on goal.

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Giroud, 37, declared his retirement from international football prior to the tournament, having signed with Los Angeles FC after leaving AC Milan last season.

“He had a lot of good moments, but also some more difficult ones,” coach Didier Deschamps.

“He is an example of longevity, seriousness and professionalism.

“Even though he had less playing time at this Euro, he was fully with the squad. He is one of the leaders.

” I want to say well done and thank you.”

Giroud earned his first cap against the United States in 2011, while Laurent Blanc was coaching, and he was a member of France’s World Cup-winning squad in 2018.

He also competed in the Qatar 2022 final and lost the Euro 2016 final.

Ironically, Giroud dominated France’s assault but did not score throughout the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Four years later, in Qatar, he scored four goals as France advanced to the final, where they were defeated by Argentina on penalties.

When Giroud announced his international retirement, he stated that he still had two excellent years in his legs but was beginning to feel his age.

“I thought about it carefully. Playing every three days is more and more difficult, especially at this level.”