Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has arrived in Los Angeles following his move to MLS side LAFC.
Giroud signed with the Black and Gold in May as a free agent before seeing out his contract with AC Milan.
But now, the 37-year-old has touched down in the US – joining former France international Hugo Lloris at BMO Stadium – and is expected to make his LAFC debut during the League Cup clash.
“Goodbye brothers. I’m happy to be in LA and I can’t wait to see you,” Giroud told his fans in a team video.
Are you there?@MLS with notice. pic.twitter.com/LUqsAUoMvE
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 1, 2024
Giroud ends his illustrious European career with a move to MLS
Giroud’s arrival in Major League Soccer opens the curtain on a remarkable career in Europe.
Often underestimated, Giroud is the French national team’s all-time leading goalscorer with 57 goals in 137 games, representing Les Bleus in four European Championships and three World Cups – with a win in the final in 2018.
At club level, Giroud played for Grenoble, Istres, Tours, Montpellier, Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan. Among his extensive list of major awards are Ligue 1, Champions League, Europa League, Serie A and FA Cup titles.
In Montpellier’s title-winning 2011/12 season, Giroud finished as Ligue 1’s top scorer with 21 goals in 36 games.
“It’s a very exciting day for everyone associated with LAFC to welcome Olivier, his wife Jennifer, and his family to the club,” LAFC president and general manager John Thorrington said in a release announcing Giroud’s signing (via MLSsoccer.com).
“Olivier is hungry to win, which he did consistently throughout his team and around the world. His heroic will and his qualities as a man and as a player are directly aligned with ours as a team. Therefore, we believe that Olivier will be even better as we continue to pursue more trophies.”
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