Olivier Giroud Turned Down Lorient Reunion for Lille Return

Olivier Giroud, 38, revealed he rejected a summer move to newly promoted Lorient, where ex-Arsenal teammate Laurent Koscielny is sporting director. Instead, the veteran striker chose Europa League side Lille, citing their higher ambitions. Back in Ligue 1 after 13 years, Giroud scored in both of Lille’s opening matches following his LAFC stint.

After the end of his stint in Major League Soccer with LAFC, Olivier Giroud made a surprise return to France by joining Lille this summer. The 38 year old forward, who had not featured in Ligue 1 since leaving Montpellier for Arsenal in 2012, was widely expected to wind down his career in the United States. However, Lille, a Europa League participant, convinced him to come back, and the veteran striker has already shown his value by scoring in each of his first two league appearances.

Interestingly, Giroud revealed in an interview with Canal Plus that he rejected the chance to reunite with his former Arsenal teammate Laurent Koscielny at Lorient. Koscielny, now the club’s sporting director, had approached Giroud with what he described as a “little project” to strengthen the newly promoted side. Despite their close friendship, Giroud explained that the decision came down to ambition.

He told Koscielny that while Lorient would be fighting to avoid relegation, Lille’s objectives included competing at the top of Ligue 1 and playing in Europe. Giroud’s decision already looks justified, as Lille began the season strongly, even recording a 7-1 win over Lorient, a game in which the striker did not feature. His market valuation currently stands at €1 million.