France’s all-time scoring leader Olivier Giroud’s transfer to Los Angeles FC was rather slow. Giroud agreed in April 2024 to join LAFC on a free transfer. But he officially completed his move only on August 01. In the meantime, he played for France in the UEFA Euro and announced his retirement from the national team afterward. Though the Frenchman is in the LA camp, he missed its Leagues Cup knockout tie against Austin on August 08. So, when will the LAFC fans finally get to see the 37-year-old striker’s action?

LAFC faces familiar foes again, as the San Jose Earthquakes lace up for an away clash with them tonight in the Leagues Cup’s Round of 16 stage. Is this going to be Olivier Giroud’s LA debut?

What did the LAFC coach say about Olivier Giroud’s availability?

The LAFC’s home, the BMO Stadium, is far from the ideal pitch for a player of Olivier Giroud’s stature. The turf on the pitch had to be re-sodded after hosting an Eminem concert last week. Besides, injury-prone turf surfaces have always been a threat to European players who are accustomed to natural grass surfaces. However, LAFC boss Steve Cherundolo seems to have overlooked these woes, in the case of fielding Giroud.

Cherundolo confirmed during Tuesday’s presser that Olivier Giroud will debut for LAFC in the San Jose Earthquakes game. “Olivier will be available for tomorrow,” said the LAFC boss.

It remains to be seen if the Frenchman will start for the LA side or if he comes on as a substitute. That will perhaps be a game-time decision for the 45-year-old coach.

Giroud had an impressive final season in AC Milan with 15 goals and eight assists in 35 matches. Only time will tell how he will spend the twilight of his career in the MLS. The Frenchman, anyhow, is thrilled to embark on the American chapter, after hearing what former MLS star Zlatan Ibrahimovic told him.

Ibrahimovic thinks Giroud will instantly enjoy the MLS

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, notably, plied his trade for LAFC’s domestic rivals- the LA Galaxy in 2018 and 2019. Apparently, when he got to know of Olivier Giroud’s MLS move, he told him, how much American fans love strikers. “He[Ibrahimovic] told me I will enjoy it, it’s a league for strikers…the teams they don’t play to keep the result or defend. They play to score goals and give pleasure to the passionate fans,” said Olivier Giroud during his LAFC presentation.

“I can bring my experience, my professionalism, my goals, and of course all the advice I can give,” Olivier Giroud added, assuring LAFC fans. The former AC Milan and Arsenal star also said he is keen on adapting to the MLS system and schedule, which are quite different from its European counterparts. Playing for LAFC, Giroud will be reunited with his former national team pal and fellow World Cup winner Hugo Lloris, who currently guards the LA side’s post.