LEAGUES CUP 2024
Olivier Giroud arrives in LA ahead of LAFC debut in Leagues Cup
He took a short break after representing France at the European Championship but the 37-year-old has been added to LAFC’s Leagues Cup roster.
After years of longing, months of speculation and weeks of waiting, Olivier Giroud has finally arrived in Los Angeles.
The French World Cup winner becomes LAFC’s latest big-name acquisition, bringing his stellar career in Europe to a close. Giroud represented his nation at the European Championship in Germany this summer and was afforded a short break before catching up with his new teammates in the United States.
The 37-year-old landed in LA on Wednesday ahead of his official unveiling as an LAFC player on Thursday. Head coach Steve Cherundolo will be hoping that Giroud can provide the perfect focal point for this talented LAFC attack, getting the best out of Denis Bouanga and Mateusz Bogusz on either flank.
“I am delighted and excited to join LAFC,” Giroud said when his LA move was confirmed. “I can’t wait to get to Los Angeles and to play in front of the 3252 and all of the incredible fans.”
Olivier Giroud set to make LAFC debut in Leagues Cup
The Black and Gold faithful have been made to wait to catch a sight of their new star and eyebrows were raised when Giroud’s name was added to the LAFC roster for this summer’s Leagues Cup. The MLS-Liga MX competition will be played across July and August, suggesting that Giroud is in line to make his debut in the coming weeks.
His new team have already booked their place in the knockout round of Leagues Cup. LAFC beat Club Tijuana 3-0 in their opener and then drew with Vancouver Whitecaps in the second fixture, although they lost on penalties to the Canadian side. That gives them four points, enough to clinch a place in the Round of 32.
They will take on one of the teams from the W1 group; either Monterrey, Pumas UANL or Austin FC. If Vancouver win their final group stage game they will take top spot, meaning that LAFC will take on W1 winners Austin FC. If the Whitecaps fail to top the group LAFC will play either of the Liga MX sides - Pumas UANL or Austin FC - in their Round of 32 game. Quite the start for Giroud in his new home.