Veteran Olivier Giroud a Major Asset On and Off the Field for Los Angeles FC

Olivier Giroud’s (37) arrival at Los Angeles FC is a significant gain for the club both on and off the pitch, officials announced on Tuesday, confirming the veteran French striker’s move to Major League Soccer. The World Cup winner will join his former France teammate Hugo Lloris in Los Angeles later this season, having agreed to a contract extending through the 2025 campaign.

Giroud, France’s all-time leading scorer, transitions to Los Angeles following a successful three-year stint with Serie A giants AC Milan. The French striker announced his move via social media on Monday.

Los Angeles FC general manager John Thorrington told AFP that Giroud, who will start his MLS career after participating in next month’s Euros with France, was seen as an ideal fit for the club.

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“What we saw in Olivier was a rare combination of skills, including his ability to drop back, link up play, and finish,” Thorrington said.

“He plays in systems with France and AC Milan similar to ours, so we felt he was the right fit for many on-field reasons.”

While Los Angeles FC aims for Giroud to bolster their forward line, Thorrington noted that the Frenchman’s off-field qualities were equally significant in completing the deal.

“I joke that some players are worth signing even if they never play, due to their impact in the locker room, their example, and their professionalism and hunger to win, despite having already won so much. It’s a real coup for us as a club,” Thorrington said.

Thorrington revealed that the club learned of Giroud’s interest in MLS while finalizing goalkeeper and former France captain Lloris’s transfer from Tottenham last December.

Lloris hinted at Giroud’s interest, which helped pave the way for the deal.

Having Lloris to vouch for Giroud’s character was also influential.

“They know each other very well,” Thorrington said of Lloris and Giroud. “This allowed me to have a conversation with Hugo about what we might be getting that isn’t immediately visible.”

“For Olivier, speaking with a close friend who recently made the transition with his family was also helpful. This allowed us to make a well-informed decision. I didn’t need Hugo to tell me about Olivier’s on-field abilities, but when Hugo’s first words are ‘He’s fantastic for a team,’ that’s the affirmation we wanted.”

Thorrington mentioned that Giroud might debut in MLS in late July, depending on how far France advances in the European Championship in Germany.

“It’s fantastic for us to know we’ll have a star player from one of the Euro favorites joining LAFC soon after,” Thorrington said.

“His start date will depend on France’s performance and his physical condition. As soon as he is rested and ready, he’ll join the team and, we believe, contribute immediately.”