Giroud focused on ´playing to win´ with LAFC after difficult start in America

Olivier Giroud says he wants to “keep playing to win” as the Los Angeles FC forward looks to kick on after a challenging start to life in America.

The World Cup winner – and France’s all-time leading scorer – made the switch to MLS last July following his departure from AC Milan.

However, Giroud has struggled to hit the ground running in the States – both on and off the pitch.

Having failed to score in any of his first 11 MLS appearances, the 38-year-old experienced an earthquake during a training session, while he and his family also had to contend with the devastating wildfires that affected the greater Los Angeles area, along with a burglary at their home.

Nevertheless, he remains upbeat that things will turn around on both fronts.

“It reminds me a bit of London,” Giroud said of Los Angeles. “I lived for nine years in London, and I really enjoy this city. You can do a lot of things with the family. Plus, you have the ocean side, which is really nice.

“It’s sunny almost every single day. You feel far from home, like on holiday every single day. It’s not holiday time yet, but maybe in a couple of years. I’m really here to bring my experience to the team and to keep playing to win.

“Since I arrived in LA last summer, we had three power outages in five days of ten, 12 and 15 hours. There was a massive earthquake when we were at the training ground. There were all the fires. It was a really sad situation.

“Hopefully, there will be better days up front. It’s part of life. Sometimes, you have great days and, sometimes, tough moments. It was a wish to finish here in the U.S. and to give this opportunity to my kids to discover another way of life.”

Giroud will be back in action on Saturday when LAFC, who beat Minnesota United 1-0 in their opening match of the 2025 stadium, welcome New York City to BMO Stadium.

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— LAFC (@LAFC) February 26, 2025