Say it with us, the worst kept secret in soccer! After months of unofficial reporting, hints and easter eggs being left here and there, it is finally officially, official. LAFC announced today the signing of French striker, soccer superstar and the game’s most handsome man, Olivier Giroud. The striker will make his arrival in Los Angeles this summer, after he wraps up his wildly successful spell with Italian club, AC Milan. Olivier Giroud will join the team on a Designated Player contract through 2025, with an option through 2026. The Frenchman arrives in L.A. this summer and will occupy an international roster slot upon the receipt of his P1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Olivier Giroud is Black & Gold.
đź“ť Olivier Giroud joins #LAFC as a Designated Player through 2025 with an option for 2026.#LAFC | @Remitly
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 14, 2024
“It is an incredibly exciting day for all associated with LAFC to welcome Olivier, his wife Jennifer, and his family to the club,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said in a statement. “Olivier has a clear hunger to win, which he has done consistently throughout his club and international career. His championship ambition and his qualities as a man and as a player directly align with ours as a club, therefore we believe Olivier will be a great addition as we continue in our pursuit of more trophies.”
Giroud is the latest in what has been a huge injection of veteran superstars from across the ocean. The striker also joins fellow Frenchman, and one-time rival, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. After a lackluster spell at Chelsea FC after his departure from Arsenal, the striker made the move to Italy’s Serie A where he was an immediate success at Milan. In his three years at the club Giroud featured in 95 matches and has tallied an astounding 38 goals, with 16 assists. LAFC will be hoping even a fraction of that production can be had in Los Angeles, as the team desperately have a need for a superstar who can create something even when things are going wrong.
I am delighted and excited to join LAFC,” Giroud said in his first statement as a member of the black & gold. “I can’t wait to get to Los Angeles and to play in front of the 3252 and all of the incredible fans.”  LAFC fans will be thrilled to welcome their newest signing this summer, after spending much of the season pining for this very announcement. It may take a few more months before we see him on the pitch but you know what they say, good things come to those that wait. LAFC fans will be hoping that good thing comes in the shape of an MLS Cup this Fall.
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