French footballer Olivier Giroud said that he did not fit well into the playing style of the Los Angeles team, but that by moving to Lille and returning to France, he is looking forward to a new challenge.
Giroud confirmed his move to Lille late on Sunday night, following Los Angeles' 0-1 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps. He left the field in the 60th minute with a hamstring injury and was given a standing ovation by the fans. The France national team's top scorer has scored five goals in 38 games for the Los Angeles club.
"I wish I had had more influence on the team, on the results. In the end, this was a good experience. Obviously, I can't stay much longer, I need a new chapter. I have to challenge myself once again, and when I got the opportunity to return to France, I grabbed it. I wish the club the best. I tried, I gave my all," said Giroud.
He had a contract until the end of the season in the American League, but he mutually terminated his cooperation so that he could leave Los Angeles as a free agent.
Lille finished fifth in the French championship last season and will play in the Europa League.
"I think the French are happy that Paul Pogba and I are returning to the French league. If you had asked me a few years ago, I would have said I didn't plan to return, but you never know, never say never," said Giroud, who mentioned that Pogba will play for Monaco next season.
"Lille suits me and my family. I hope I can help, to be a leader and a link between the players on the pitch, but also off the pitch between the young players and the coaching staff. I'm excited because we're going to play in the Europa League. It's very positive, this is a big club in France, Lille. In the top five," he added.
Giroud has not played in the French league since 2012, when he left Montpellier for Arsenal, where he played for six years. He then moved to Chelsea, with whom he won both the Champions League and Europa League, and in 2021 he moved to Milan, with whom he won Serie A.
Giroud moved to Los Angeles last July, but admitted that he didn't fit into the system that team played.
"If you know football, you understand that in some ways I didn't really fit into the style of play. I'm honest. I'm trying to adapt. I'm doing my best, but I can't do something I'm not used to doing and I don't know how to do," said the 38-year-old footballer.
"I know what I can bring to the team, but I also know what I can't. I think it's time to go, I wish the boys all the best because I love them. I'll miss Los Angeles, but I'm really excited about the new challenge," Giroud added.
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