Looking forward to the premier class
©IMAGO
Olivier Giroud will still be playing in Ligue 1 at the age of 40. The French center forward extended his expiring contract with LOSC Lille by one year until 2027. The veteran came from Major League Soccer’s LAFC on a free transfer a year ago and has since scored eleven times in 44 appearances. Giroud, who won the World Cup with Les Bleus in 2018 and played most often for Arsenal in his career, has taken a liking to third-placed Lille.
“I’m very happy to continue the adventure here. A year ago, when I came to LOSC, it wasn’t necessarily planned, if I may say so. And now I feel very comfortable here, I feel like I’m at home,” said Giroud, explaining his signing of a new contract. “I was very happy to return to France and to Ligue 1 after leaving it 13 years ago. I became closer to my family and discovered the warmth that exists in this region that was unknown to me. I was very impressed by the welcome I received in the north, but also by the values of the people I share. After a few weeks it was as if I was part of the family. The integration happened very naturally. That’s just luck.”
Giroud and his team expect to take part in the premier class next season. “The Champions League is really the ultimate for every player who plays in Europe. After we had a good season together at LOSC and qualified directly, it was important to me to continue this adventure, also for these reasons. To experience this competition again. Because I feel comfortable, can develop, am in a healthy environment and can still give something to the team,” explained the attacker.