LAFC formally announced the long-anticipated move Tuesday for the 37-year-old Giroud, who leaves
Giroud joins LAFC as a designated player with a contract through 2025. The deal includes an option for 2026, the club said.
LAFC general manager
“The way he fits really complements our attacking group,” Thorrington told The Associated Press. “We do have some incredible attackers already here, but I think he will elevate us — not just with his own productivity, but I think what you see with his ability is he’s not just a pure goal-scorer. He is very good at facilitating play, and that’s what we saw, which is so compelling.”
Giroud is best known for his six prolific seasons at Arsenal from 2012-18, followed by three years apiece at
Giroud also is a star for the French national team, scoring a record 57 goals and playing for Les Bleus'
It's unclear exactly when Giroud will debut for LAFC, but it's likely to be in late July. Defender
“I am delighted and excited to join LAFC,” Giroud said in a statement issued by the club. “I can't wait to get to
Giroud will finish up a solid season for
“His productivity is incredible,” Thorrington said. “We’ve never had just a pure goal-scorer. That’s not the way we play. I think his combination of skill sets, with his ability to link play, his ability to finish, his tactical mentality, we think he’ll be an incredible addition.”
LAFC is fifth in
Giroud will be reunited at LAFC with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, his longtime teammate for
“I think it helps that we have one of his best friends in football in Hugo as our goalkeeper,” Thorrington said. “I don’t think he’s coming just because of that, but I think that did enable conversations at a different level than I could have with him. What’s it like to play there? What’s it like for your family? That helped Olivier make the decision.”
Giroud’s years of club success and
LAFC's roster is built on a bedrock of talent from throughout
“We are a star town, and we’ve never shied away from (the fact) that matters in LA,” Thorrington said. “But we don’t ever invest because of just that. It needs to be the right combination, but certainly when our owners met with Olivier and you can see his hunger to win, it’s very clear that he’s coming here to help bring this club to the success that everybody wants.”
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/soccer
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