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Tag: Olivier Giroud

  • Giroud excited to join Lille after LAFC exit

    Giroud excited to join Lille after LAFC exit

    French striker Olivier Giroud is set to join Ligue 1 side Lille after leaving Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC.

    The 38-year-old, who is France’s all-time top scorer with 57 goals, played for Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan before joining LAFC last year and helped them win their first Open Cup title with a goal in the final in September.

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    LAFC announced Giroud’s departure last week, midway through the MLS season.

    “I think this club (Lille) ticks a lot of boxes for me and my family,” Giroud, who has retired from international football, told reporters on Sunday after playing his last match for LAFC, a 1-0 league loss to Vancouver Whitecaps.

    “I am excited because we will also play (in the) Europa League, and it’s very positive. It’s a big club in France, Lille. Top five.”

  • Giroud to join Lille after terminating LAFC deal

    Giroud to join Lille after terminating LAFC deal

    Olivier Giroud is set to join French club Lille, sources have told ESPN, after LAFC confirmed Friday it had agreed to terminate the French striker’s contract.

    The 2018 World Cup winner had another six months left on his deal in Los Angeles but wanted to return home, sources said, 13 years after leaving Ligue 1.

    The LAFC hierarchy didn’t stand in his way and sources told ESPN that an agreement to leave the club, where he arrived in 2024, was found on Thursday.

    His last game for LAFC will be on Sunday against Vancouver and he will arrive in France next week to sign his contract.

    “I want to thank all of the fans, my teammates and the staff at LAFC for making this an enjoyable stop in my career,” Giroud said in LAFC’s statement. “I am happy to have played a part in the success of LAFC.

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    “From winning a trophy last season to participating in the Club World Cup, this has been a great experience in L.A. for me and my family.”

    Giroud, 39 in September, is expected to sign a two-year deal with Lille, who finished fifth last season in the French top flight and will play in the Europa League next year.

    Lille were looking for an experienced player to lead their young squad. Giroud will replace Jonathan David, who left the club at the end of his contract.

  • Giroud suffers home theft of $500,000 in jewellery

    Giroud suffers home theft of $500,000 in jewellery

    About $500,000 of jewellery was allegedly stolen from the home of French striker Olivier Giroud of MLS side Los Angeles FC in a burglary earlier this month, TMZ reported.

    The celebrity news website cited law enforcement sources in saying Giroud’s wife reported a break-in on February 5 after she discovered a shattered window on the property.

    She reported the theft of more than 10 men’s watches among several valuable items taken and estimated the price of the stolen items at about $500,000, TMZ reported.

    The Los Angeles Police Department told TMZ it continues to investigate the matter but no arrests have been made.

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    Former Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan striker Giroud, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, joined LAFC last year. The 38-year-old Frenchman, his national team’s all-time top scorer, helped LAFC win last year’s US Open Cup title.

    Star National Football League quarterback Joe Burrow, of the Cincinnati Bengals, National Basketball Association guard Ty Jerome of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Falcons cornerback Antonio Hamilton are among others US sports standouts who have suffered recent burglaries, with some break-ins matching times they were playing in games on national television.

  • Giroud to retire from France duty after Euro 2024

    Giroud to retire from France duty after Euro 2024

    Olivier Giroud intends to step down from international duty with France after Euro 2024.

    The AC Milan striker is France’s all-time top scorer, with 57 goals in 131 appearances and won the World Cup in 2018.

    The former Arsenal and Chelsea forward has been named in Didier Deschamps’ provisional squad for the Euros, which start next month in Germany.

    “This will be my last competition with Les Bleus. I’m going to miss it a lot,” Giroud told L’Equipe., external

    “We need to make way for the youngsters. You also have to be careful not to have one season too many. You have to find the right balance.”

    Read Also: Barcelona sack coach Xavi

    Giroud did not score, or have a shot on target, despite playing 465 minutes across six matches as France won the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

    However, he scored four at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including a late winner against England in the quarter-finals. France went on to reach the final, where they were beaten on penalties by Argentina.

    Giroud is expected to feature for Milan for the final time on Saturday when they host bottom club Salernitana on the last day of the Serie A season.

    The 37-year-old, who is out of contract at the San Siro next month, has agreed to join American Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC after Euro 2024.

    Giroud has signed an 18-month deal with the club, and has the option of a further year.

    BBCSports

  • Giroud demands important role at Chelsea FC next season

    Striker Olivier Giroud said on Wednesday he has been approached by other clubs to play for them next season, but he added he wanted to extend his stay Chelsea.

    The Frenchman however pointed out that staying at Stamford Bridge would depend on if manager Maurizio Sarri could offer him regular first team opportunities.

    Giroud, who is the top scorer in the UEFA Europa League with nine goals, is out of contract at the end of the campaign.

    Chelsea however have an option to extend it for another 12 months.

    The 32-year-old Frenchman has started just seven English Premier League games this season.

    He has seen limited opportunities since the arrival of Argentina international striker Gonzalo Higuain in January.

    “Trust me (to agree that) I’m very frustrated when I’m not on the pitch, but I just don’t want to show it,” Giroud told a news conference in London ahead of Chelsea’s UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg against Slavia Prague on Thursday.

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    “You need to keep that frustration for you, and transform that into positive energy on the pitch.

    “I’m not happy to play the second role. That’s why I said next year I will need to have a more important role to play in the team.”

    When asked whether he has already had offers to go elsewhere, Giroud added: “Yes but I won’t reveal that now. The priority is Chelsea.

    “With what I’ve achieved here, there is no reason they won’t give me one more year. But I need to be happy, also.”

    Chelsea hold a 1-0 advantage over Slavia Prague from the away leg, courtesy of a late headed goal by defender Marcos Alonso.

    They will be without defender Antonio Rudiger, who limped out of Sunday’s 2-0 league defeat against Liverpool at Anfield with a knee injury.

    However, Chelsea’s assistant coach Gianfranco Zola expects the German international to return for the league trip to top-four rivals Manchester United on April 28.

    “It looks not as bad as we thought, luckily. When he came off limping, we were worried,” Zola said.

    “Yes, there is a strong possibility that we see him (against Manchester United). He’s a warrior and won’t want to miss a game like that.

    “The next few days will be very important to see if he can continue recovering.”(Reuters/NAN)

  • France hopes for good home show against Dutch

    France manager Didier Deschamps believes they need to sharpen up when they play the Netherlands on Sunday in their first home match since winning the World Cup in July following their goalless draw away to Germany.

    The French seemed to be nursing a post-victory hangover when they faced Germany in Munich on Thursday in their first outing since the final, creating only a few chances in the Nations League game compared to their opponents’ half dozen.

    The Germans were eager for redemption after their shock World Cup group stage exit while France at times looked content with a draw.

    “We can do it better. “We are returning home (for Sunday’s game in Paris) but we need to be more efficient.

    “We ran out of steam towards the end and obviously the entire squad is not yet at the peak of their form. Not at this time of the season,” Deschamps said.

    France’s passing was far from accurate and they seemed to lack pace, with forwards Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud, who were so dynamic at the World Cup in Russia, posing no real threat for most of the game.

    Read Also: LaLiga leads the way as France top the world

    It was unlikely, however, that France would instantly pick up where they left off in July, with their players having had limited pre-season preparation following their lengthy World Cup campaign.

    Deschamps’ team can expect days of festivities when they return to Paris but the players will know they need to pick up three points from their next Nations League match as well as put on a show for the French fans.

    “It will be a great feeling because it will be our first match in France since we won the title.

    “But we know we have to get the three points against the Dutch to stay in contention in the Nations League,” Giroud said.

    The Nations League, brainchild of European soccer body UEFA, aims to boost interest in international football.

    It also features all 55 of Europe’s national teams divided into four divisions split into four groups, with games played between September and November.

  • Russia 2018: Pogba earns France victory as technology plays part

    Paul Pogba scored a late goal to earn France a hard-fought 2-1 win against Australia in their opening 2018 FIFA World Cup Group C game on Saturday.

    The Video Assistant Referee played a major part in the game, especially in the decision of Pogba’s goal.

    The midfielder, who was criticized after recent below-par performances, found the back of the net with a lob after a fine one-two with second-half substitute, Olivier Giroud, nine minutes from time.

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    The effort was confirmed by goal-line technology.

    Antoine Griezmann converted the first penalty to be awarded by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at a World Cup in the 58th minute after being brought down by Josh Rishdon.

    Mile Jedinak leveled scores for his side, also with a penalty, after Samuel Umtiti handled.

     

    NAN

  • Chelsea beat West Brom to move back into EPL top 4

    Chelsea beat West Brom to move back into EPL top 4

    Two goals from Belgian wizard Eden Hazard and another by Victor Moses earned Chelsea a 3-0 home win over struggling West Bromwich Albion in the English Premier League on Monday.

    It was a result which eased pressure on Coach Antonio Conte following two defeats for the champions.

    The lively Hazard twisted his way goalwards in the 25th minute before playing a neat one-two with new signing Olivier Giroud.

    The Frenchman held off defenders to place the ball for the Belgium international to smack it past goalkeeper Ben Foster.

    Moses added Chelsea’s second after sprinting down the wing and laying the ball off to Cesc Fabregas, whose flick was deflected back into the Nigerian’s path.

    Hazard’s second goal wrapped up the points as Chelsea moved back into the top four.

    In the 71st minute, he received a pass from substitute Alvaro Morata, and linked past defender Jonny Evans to lift the ball into the net.

    Read Also: EPL: Watford’s late goals stun 10-man  Chelsea

    Chelsea has 53 points from 27 games, one point ahead of London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and a point behind third-placed Liverpool in the race for UEFA Champions League qualifying spots.

    A beaming Conte, whose side had lost their previous two Premier League games at home to Bournemouth and at Watford, hurried round the pitch after the whistle, shaking hands.

    The Italian, who won the title in his first season in charge, has had a strained relationship with the club hierarchy since last summer after disagreements over buying players.

    There have been suggestions he would leave at the end of the season.

    But his players, so lacklustre against Watford, looked energised after a week’s rest.

    France international Giroud, who joined last month from Arsenal, provided a target man and combined well with Hazard and Fabregas.

    He left the pitch to applause in the 70th minute, his head swathed in bandages after he was kicked in a goalmouth melee in the first half.

    “He is a great target man,” Hazard said later on. “Maybe one of the best in England. So, we can pass the ball and go around him.

    “He is a good point of reference. We have plenty though as we have him, Alvaro and I can play striker also.”

    It was a miserable night for Alan Pardew’s West Brom side, who has won once in their last 25 Premier League games.

    In spite of a lively start they managed one shot on target.

    The disappointment was compounded with the loss of Daniel Sturridge barely three minutes into the game.

    The striker, on loan from Liverpool, limped off to be replaced by Jay Rodriguez.

    The visitors also failed to convert good chances that fell to Jonny Evans, Salomon Rondon and Rodriguez.

    Chelsea is still competing on three fronts.

    They face Hull City in the FA Cup fifth round on Friday before meeting FC Barcelona in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League on Feb. 20.

    NAN

     

     

  • EPL: Watford’s late goals stun 10-man Chelsea

    EPL: Watford’s late goals stun 10-man Chelsea

    Watford scored three late goals on Monday to win 4-1 in Javi Gracia’s first home game in charge and increase the pressure on Chelsea counterpart Antonio Conte.

    The Blues played an hour with 10 men after Tiemoue Bakayoko’s red card capped off a dreadful individual 30-minute performance — in which he gifted Watford four chances.

    The Hornets — who had only won one of their previous 12 English Premier League games — led controversially as Gerard Deulofeu went down easily under goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ challenge.

    Troy Deeney went on to score the penalty kick.

    Chelsea, who brought on Olivier Giroud for a debut in the second half, scored an undeserved equaliser when Eden Hazard curled home brilliantly from 25 yards.

    Two minutes later, Daryl Janmaat scored a fantastic goal of his own when he played a one-two with Roberto Pereyra.

    He went on to beat another couple of defenders before scoring with his weaker left foot.

    Deulofeu added another when he ran from halfway before his shot was deflected home by Gary Cahill — and then Pereyra scored a fourth from Abdoulaye Doucoure’s through ball.

    It was Chelsea’s second consecutive defeat by three goals in the Premier League, following their 3-0 home reverse by Bournemouth.

    Read Also: Chelsea thrashed in   Watford

    Deulofeu later said “we are happy for these three points. The team fought too much at the beginning and we are worth this win. I’m so happy for my first game at home.’’

    On the penalty kick he won in the first half, he said “Daryl Janmaat gave me a good ball and I think it’s a clear penalty kick. He (Courtois) touched me… I think.”

    On his part, Janmaat said: “I know I can score goals, I did it in the past last year against Chelsea as well. It is really good

    “I am happy for the team and it is a really important win. We pressed them well. We won a lot of second balls.

    “Last week in Stoke we had a good result, a point there, and three points today. We have to build on from here because we want to be safe as soon as possible.”

    Watford boss Javi Gracia could not hide his joy, saying “you always work for nights like today. But today has been an unforgettable night. I am very proud of my players and very happy for our fans.”

    Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, when asked about his future with the club after two successive defeats, retorted: “My position? It is the same. I stay here, try to work and put all myself in the work.

    “The pressure? Which pressure? What is the pressure? I work — if this is enough it is, OK. Otherwise the club has to take another decision.”

    NAN

  • Koeman blames failed Giroud move, tough fixtures for sacking

    Koeman blames failed Giroud move, tough fixtures for sacking

    Former Everton manager, Ronald Koeman says the club’s failure to sign Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku, combined with their tough fixture list to start the season, led to him being fired.

    Koeman was sacked on Monday after Everton’s 5-2 loss to Arsenal dropped them into the Premier League relegation zone.

    The side have struggled to score this year, netting just seven goals in nine league games, and Koeman said allowing top scorer Lukaku to leave for Manchester United without signing a replacement proved costly.

    “I had Olivier Giroud in the building,’’ Koeman told Dutch magazine VI.

    ”He would have fitted perfectly but, at the very last moment, he decided that he’d rather live in London and stay at Arsenal.

    “That was really hard to swallow … Lukaku was so important for us, not just because of his goals.

    “If things were not going well in a game, if we could not play the way we were used to, there was always the option to use the long ball towards him.”

    Everton faced Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in their opening nine league games.

    And Koeman, who spent heavily in the summer to overhaul the squad, said he knew it would be tough going when the fixture list came out.

    “I looked at it and saw that five of our first nine games would be against clubs from last season’s top six…,” Koeman added.

    “I said to myself, ‘Phew! That is not going to be an easy run, in particular with a Europa League run at the same time; and, most of all, because I had lost my striker Lukaku.”

    Giroud was not the only striking target Everton missed out on, midfielder Nikola Vlasic told Dutch outlet 24sata.

    The club had hoped to sign former Chelsea striker Diego Costa and had reserved a shirt number for the Spaniard.

    “Number 27 was free, I wanted 8, but Ross Barkley wears it, while the club was keeping 19 for Diego Costa,” Vlasic said.

    Assistant coach David Unsworth was named Everton’s interim manager and his first league match in charge will be a trip to Leicester City on Sunday.

    NAN