Giroud signs 1-year contract with Lille as he ends his rather disappointing tenure in the MLS with Los Angeles FC.
French striker Olivier Giroud signs with Ligue 1 side Lille.
Olivier Giroud, France’s all-time leading scorer, left Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC to sign a one-year contract with Lille.
For the first time in 13 years, Giroud, who turns 39 in September, will play in the top division of France after playing his final game for LAFC on June 30.
Giroud, who helped Montpellier win the 2011-12 Ligue 1 title before departing for Arsenal, said: “I’m very happy and excited to be back in France, home.
“It made perfect sense to return to Ligue 1, 13 years after leaving it. I’ve always considered Lille a top French club.
“It’s a young and talented squad, which needs experienced players like me. So I’ll also be there in that role.”
Giroud scored 105 goals during his six seasons with the Gunners, helping the north London team win the FA Cup three times.
He joined the Blues team that won the Europa and Champions League trophies, and his move to Chelsea resulted in another FA Cup victory.
After helping AC Milan win the Scudetto in 2022, he joined LAFC last summer. However, he had little success in the US, managing just five goals in 37 games across all competitions.
After playing for the team that won the 2018 World Cup, Giroud retired from international football last year with a record 57 goals in 137 games.