Olivier Giroud returned to France this summer, debauchery by LOSC to be reborn from his ashes after a mixed experience on the side of Los Angeles. While he is celebrating his 39th birthday on September 30, the Savoyard striker is a priori the last challenge of a particularly rich and dense career.
In an interview with the Canal Football Club and broadcast this Sunday evening, the former Gunner admits having almost hung up the crampons this summer. “” It crossed my mind to stop, but it went against what I always said to myself, to play as long as my body allows. I did not take enough pleasure in the United States, I needed to find a football that suited me better. »»
To do this, the top scorer in the history of the French team (57 achievements in 137 selections) chose Ligue 1 which he had left at the top with Montpellier in 2012. With before the LOSC an unexpected option which was submitted to him. “”
Laurent (Koscielny, sports director of Lorient and former teammate of Olivier Giroud, editor's note) surveyed me. But Lille came forward. A completely different project with the European Cup, while Lorient plays the maintenance. He understood very well that Lille had my preference … »»
Lille, the ideal club for Giroud
Getting involved in favor of the Dogues thus quickly became inevitable for the native of Chambéry. “” Two or three years ago, returning to France would not necessarily have been obvious. But this summer, to be able to complete the loop when I returned to France – what is not far from London, a city to which I am very attached – it was quite quickly obvious when Olivier Létang (the president of LOSC, editor's note) called me. After talking about it with my wife, it was the city and the club that we needed. »»
Especially since the interested party, already twice a scorer in the league, was particularly well received at home. “” You will never be completely unanimous. But I feel a momentum of public sympathy towards me. This is also why I returned to France », Note Olivier Giroud. A goalscorer who confirms on the other hand his status as an international retiree. “” I was already asked the question, and I answered that you should never say never. But I am well retired from the French team “, He blows.
