Giroud Explains His LAFC Exit: "The Style Didn't Suit Me"

Veteran striker Olivier Giroud has explained his lackluster stint at LAFC, attributing it to a playing style in MLS that “didn’t necessarily suit me.” The 38-year-old player’s contract with LAFC was scheduled to expire at the end of this year, but the club and Giroud mutually agreed to part ways so he could join Lille, who finished fifth in Ligue 1 last season. Giroud, France’s all-time top scorer with 57 goals, and a world champion in 2018 with Les Bleus, only managed five goals in 38 matches with LAFC, despite being popular with the fans.

The style of play in MLS didn’t necessarily suit me. Returning to France 13 years later is an incredible opportunity and challenge for me.
Olivier Giroud

Giroud left the French league in 2012 after helping Montpellier win the Ligue 1 title, scoring 21 goals that season, before joining Arsenal of the English Premier League, where he won three FA Cup titles. Subsequently, he played for Chelsea and AC Milan, leaving a good impression with his ability to score crucial goals, his hold-up play, and his selflessness, distinctive features of his game.

Olivier Giroud struggled for goals at LAFC.

With Chelsea, Giroud won the Europa League in 2019 and the Champions League in 2021, as well as the FA Cup, and was also one of the key players when AC Milan won the Serie A title in 2022. Giroud insisted that his body, despite his age, can withstand the rigors of the French league and that he has a lot to offer Lille.

I feel in good physical shape, don’t worry. I am ready to take on the challenge. I feel good for my age and I want to play until my body says enough.
Olivier Giroud

Lille, who impressed in the Champions League last season, beating Real Madrid, will play in the Europa League this season.