Olivier Giroud on MLS move: ‘I always wanted to finish my career there.’

Los Angeles FC (LAFC) officially confirmed the signing of France international Olivier Giroud (37) earlier this week. Speaking to Canal Plus, he revealed that it was always the plan to conclude his career in the MLS. 

Giroud’s three-year stay at AC Milan will come to an end in just a few weeks time. The Frenchman’s contract at the Serie A side expires at the end of the season and his next move has already been lined up. He has joined LAFC on a one-year deal. The contract also includes the option to extend his stay for a further year. 

At LAFC, France’s all-time record goalscorer Giroud will join up with Les Bleus’ most-capped player of all-time, Hugo Lloris, who made the move to the MLS at the end of 2023. Speaking exclusively to Canal Plus, Giroud spoke about the upcoming transfer and his reunion with compatriot Lloris. 

“I always wanted to finish my career in the MLS and also from a family point of view, for the lifestyle, the chance to move to a distant country, another culture, another anglophone country too, for my children that were born in London,” began the former Arsenal, Chelsea and Montpellier HSC forward.

He added, “Hugo, my mate, it’s a great story meeting back up there. He spoke to me about life in Los Angeles and he spoke about the club and its fans.” 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle