Olivier Giroud joins Lille - Mutually agreed contract termination with LAFC

Olivier Giroud has returned to his native France. On Jun. 27, Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC and star striker Giroud announced that they have reached a mutual decision to part ways. Giroud played his final match as a member of LAFC in a defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps (0-1). Giroud has been heavily linked with a return to France all month, and Lille have since announced the signing of the 38-year-old on a free transfer.

“Olivier has been an exemplary professional during his time at LAFC,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said in a club statement. “He brought humility and a winning mentality that helped elevate everyone around him. Olivier has been a tremendous ambassador for the club on and off the field. We are grateful for his contributions and wish him, his wife Jennifer, and his family all the very best in this next chapter.”

Giroud joined LAFC on a free transfer from AC Milan last summer. During his time with the Black and Golds, Giroud managed just five goals and three assists in 37 games. Giroud’s time in the United States also coincided with LAFC’s run at the FIFA Club World Cup. The MLS club crashed out after the group stage with Giroud being largely ineffective across 161 minutes against Chelsea, Esperance, and Flamengo.

Giroud back to Lille – Deal now confirmed

News out of France have heavily linked Giroud with a return to Ligue 1 for some time and Lille have been working hard to bring the French striker back to his homeland. Lille will lose Canadian men’s national team striker Jonathan David on a free transfer to Juventus and want to add experienced depth in the attack. Signing Giroud is, however, a gamble. The Frenchman struggled significantly with the physical demands of MLS play and might find life in Ligue 1 challenging.