Giroud in Lille, it's done (and it's already buzzing)
This is THE big football news of the summer in Lille. Olivier Giroud, former star of Arsenal, Chelsea, Milan and 2018 World Champion, has officially signed for one year with LOSC. Hardly arrived, the new Dogue was even spotted in town, wearing a red jersey with his name on it. And unsurprisingly, all of Lille is already under his spell.
The all-time top scorer for the French team (57 goals in 137 appearances) is coming back thirteen years after leaving Ligue 1 and his memorable title with Montpellier. After a brief stint at Los Angeles FC, Giroud has chosen Lille to take on one last big European challenge, while cutting his salary in half. How classy!
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A heartfelt choice for Giroud: "Lille checked all the boxes"
For Olivier Giroud, arriving in the North was a no-brainer:
"I’m really happy and excited to be back in France, at home. When Olivier Létang called me to offer this challenge, it was clear and straightforward. Returning to Ligue 1 thirteen years later makes perfect sense to me. I’ve always seen LOSC as a top French club."
The world champion is also coming in as a leader and mentor, with a clear desire to share his experience with the young gems from Lille: "The team had a great season last year and will play in the Europa League. It’s a young and talented group that needs experienced players like me."
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Lille supporters already enchanted (and Giroud approves Lille too)
If some Lille fans had doubts considering the player's age (38 years), those worries quickly faded: “I was one of the undecided at first, just like with Burak Yilmaz back in the day, but in the end, we all know how that turned out,” smiles Franck, president of a supporters' section. Bertrand, a member of the "En Avant le LOSC" group, adds: “Giroud is great for Lille and for all of French football. His charisma and presence will definitely help the team, especially in the Europa League.”
Lille makes a strong statement and confirms its ambitions
For Olivier Létang, president of LOSC, this arrival is a bold statement for Lille:
“We are extremely proud and happy to welcome a player of Olivier Giroud's caliber under our colors. His goal-scoring abilities, experience at the highest level, and his mindset make him a...
Precious profile. His arrival is also a strong symbol of LOSC's attractiveness and the Ligue 1 championship.
Moreover, Giroud doesn't land in unknown territory, as he is well acquainted with the club's history and several former Dogs like Eden Hazard, Yohan Cabaye, and Benjamin Pavard, all of whom have spoken very highly of the club and its values. We've seen worse references.
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A new "combo" of youth and experience in Lille?
Some fans are already envisioning a very promising duo between Giroud and the young Moroccan star Hamza Igamane (22 years old, Glasgow Rangers), mentioned in recent days: “This could be the perfect combo of youth and experience,” concludes Franck.
What’s certain is that Lille has found its new favorite, and Giroud jerseys are likely to pop up all around the city this summer.
Olivier Giroud officially a player for LOSC Lille
Contract signed for one season (+ one optional)
LOSC qualified for the Europa League for the 2025-2026 season
All the details here