Olivier Giroud known as his quick stint with Los Angeles FC “disappointing,” however stated he’ll treasure the friendships and lone trophy collected throughout his 12 months in Major League Soccer.
The 38-year-old ahead confirmed Sunday evening that he’s returning to France to hitch Lille, able to embrace one last chapter in his adorned profession after 13 years overseas.
France’s all-time main aim scorer bid farewell to LAFC in a irritating 1-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps, limping off after 60 minutes with tendon ache and no targets within the match. His greatest likelihood got here early within the second half, however he fired Denis Bouanga’s pinpoint cross over the bar.
Despite netting solely 5 targets in 38 appearances for LAFC, Giroud acquired a standing ovation from the BMO Stadium trustworthy, loyal to the veteran striker who gave his all, even when the targets didn’t come.
“I wish I could have had a bigger impact on the team, on the results,” Giroud stated. “At the end, it was a good experience. Obviously, I can’t stay longer, so I need a new chapter. I need to challenge myself one more time, and when I had the opportunity to come back to France, I just grabbed it. I wish nothing but the best for the club. I tried hard. I tried my best.”
Giroud was beneath contract by means of the tip of the present MLS season, however LAFC and Giroud mutually agreed to half methods, permitting him to depart on a free switch. He confirmed he’ll quickly be a part of Lille, which completed fifth in Ligue 1 final season to earn a Europa League place.
“I think the French people are happy that Paul Pogba, myself are coming back to the French league,” Giroud stated, referring to his Monaco-bound good friend and teammate from France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad.
“If you would have asked me a few years before, I would have answered that it was not the plan to come back, but you never know – never say never,” Giroud added. “I think this club ticked a lot of boxes for me and for my family. I hope I can be helpful for the team, being a leader and a link-up player on the field, but also off the pitch between the youngsters and the staff. I’m excited because we also play Europa League. It’s very positive. It’s a big club in France – top five.”
Giroud hasn’t performed in Ligue 1 since 2012, when he left Montpellier to start a six-year tenure at Arsenal. He went on to win the Champions League and Europa League with Chelsea, adopted by a Serie A title with AC Milan.
He joined LAFC in July 2024 however now acknowledges he by no means totally match into the system employed by LAFC and head coach Steve Cherundolo, who can also be set to depart the membership this fall.
“If you know football, you understand that in one sense, yeah, I didn’t really fit to maybe the game style, I would say,” Giroud stated. “Just being honest. I tried to adapt. I tried my best one more time, but I can’t do something I’m not used to and I don’t know how to do.”
Cherundolo favors a transition recreation constructed round counterattacks and extensive play – a mode that didn’t align with Giroud’s tempo or central positioning. Like many MLS golf equipment, LAFC struggled to discover a constant playmaker able to delivering service to an elite striker like Giroud, who thrives on crosses into the field.
Wearing the No. 9 shirt, Giroud was relegated to a substitute function in most matches and made a big affect in solely a handful of outings, most notably scoring in LAFC’s U.S. Open Cup last victory final 12 months.
“We did not use the cross a lot, which is my main strength in the box,” Giroud stated. “And yeah, I had the feeling that we would play a lot in transition, so it’s not the best for me. I know what I can bring to the team, but I know what I can’t do also. I think it’s time to say goodbye now, and one more time to wish all the best to the boys because I love them. I will miss L.A., but on the other hand, I’m really excited to have another challenge.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com