Former Arsenal striker to leave America after 1 season to return to Ligue 1 | OneFootball

Olivier Giroud is set to return to Ligue 1 after agreeing a deal with Lille, bringing an end to his one-year spell in Major League Soccer with Los Angeles FC.

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The 38-year-old, who scored 105 goals across his six seasons with Arsenal, will leave the American club by mutual consent following Sunday’s fixture against Vancouver Whitecaps.

His departure was confirmed in a statement released by LAFC on Friday.

“Olivier has been an exemplary professional during his time at LAFC,” said LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington. “He brought humility and a winning mentality that helped elevate everyone around him. Olivier has been a tremendous ambassador for the club on and off the field. We are grateful for his contributions and wish him, his wife Jennifer, and his family all the very best in this next chapter.”

Giroud managed five goals in 37 appearances for the club, with three assists, having signed a one-year deal with an option for a further season. That option will not be exercised.

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“I want to thank all of the fans, my teammates and the staff at LAFC for making this an enjoyable stop in my career,” Giroud said. “I am happy to have played a part in the success of LAFC. From winning a trophy last season to participating in the Club World Cup, this has been a great experience in L.A. for me and my family.”

Giroud’s next move has already been agreed, with the striker accepting a one-year contract with Lille. The deal will see the France national team’s all-time top scorer return to Ligue 1, more than a decade after leaving Montpellier for Arsenal in 2012.

A World Cup winner with France and Champions League winner with Chelsea, Giroud also spent three seasons with AC Milan before moving to the United States.

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His return to France marks what is likely to be the final chapter of a career that has spanned nearly two decades across top divisions in four countries.

He remains a respected figure at Arsenal, where he was part of three FA Cup-winning sides under Arsène Wenger, and, when he eventually retires, will do so as one of the most under-rated forwards to play the game.

In total, Giroud has won the World Cup, UEFA Nations League, Champions League, Europa League, four FA Cups, league titles from France and Italy, as well as a US Open Cup.