Olivier Giroud is set to make his return to French football for the first time since 2012 after penning a one-year contract with Ligue 1 outfit Lille on Tuesday.
The 38-year-old, who holds the record as France’s all-time leading goalscorer, departed from MLS side Los Angeles FC just last week.
Giroud’s last appearance in the French top tier was with Montpellier, where he helped secure the Ligue 1 title in the 2011-12 season before moving to Arsenal.
“I’m incredibly pleased and thrilled to be back in France, my home,” Giroud expressed in a statement.
“Returning to Ligue 1 after 13 years feels like the right decision. I have always viewed Lille as a prestigious club in France.”
“The squad is filled with youthful talent, and they require experienced players like myself. I’m ready to take on that role.”
During his six-year stint at Arsenal, Giroud netted over 100 goals for the London club before transferring to Chelsea, where he claimed the Champions League title in 2021.
He later joined AC Milan, spending three seasons there and winning the Serie A championship in 2022, before making the switch to the US.
Giroud called time on his international career last year, finishing with an impressive tally of 57 goals in 137 matches for France, including a World Cup victory in 2018.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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