France`s all-time leading goalscorer, Olivier Giroud (38), is making a return to Ligue 1, having signed with Lille OSC on a free transfer from MLS club Los Angeles FC. Giroud`s final appearance for LAFC was Sunday`s 1-0 loss against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. He then traveled to France to finalize a contract that runs for one year, with an option for a second.
The 2018 World Cup champion last played in the French top flight in 2012, when he moved from Montpellier HSC to Arsenal. During his last season in Ligue 1, Giroud played a key role in Montpellier`s historic first league title win, finishing as joint-top scorer with 21 goals, level with Nenê of Paris Saint-Germain.
Giroud arrives at Lille as the club is undergoing changes in its attacking lineup. This follows the departure of Jonathan David (25) on a free transfer and the anticipated sale of Edon Zhegrova (26).
