L’Equipe journalist says Giroud move is motivated by ‘life experience’ rather than money | OneFootball

A L’Equipe journalist has explained some of the reasons for Olivier Giroud pursuing a move away from AC Milan and to Los Angeles FC, claiming it is down to the enjoyment of his life rather than money.

Italian L’Equipe journalist Valentin Pauluzzi has spoken to Milan News to shed some light on why Giroud has been so interested in the idea of moving to MLS towards the end of his career and it seems that family and friendship are the driving factors, rather than desire to earn more money.

Giroud is expected to soon sign an 18-month contract with LAFC but it is not clear whether he will be earning more there than he is at Milan. What is clear is that there are other destinations outside of Europe where he could earn a lot more than he will in America.

As Pauluzzi explains, the friendship with LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is a big factor, and he thinks it will be a more popular decision with French fans than if he had moved to the Saudi Pro League.

“It is a choice that corresponds to someone who wanted a life experience, more than taking a multi-million dollar contract in Saudi Arabia. If he goes to Los Angeles he will reunite with his friend Hugo Lloris, forming one of the most important French national team pairs in the history of the nation: one is the player with the most caps, the other the one who has scored the most goals. It’s a farewell that has its own cultural logic, a different choice from [N’Golo] Kante or [Karim] Benzema and also more appreciated by the fans,” he said.

Giroud is out of contract with Milan this summer and the club were keen on signing him for another year, and Pauluzzi thinks he would have continued to impress.

“He could certainly have done one more year, I don’t think Milan would have had any problems. But it’s fair because he had a constant performance and, indeed, every year he did something extra in a competitive Milan, despite some excessive criticism. Leaving as a starting player is perhaps better than doing a fourth year, playing half the matches and also running the risk of running into a bad Milan season. Surely leaving in June will be a nice farewell after a good Milan season: the ideal context to say goodbye.”