Olivier Giroud following Zlatan Ibrahimovic's advice as veteran striker reveals he rejected ex-Arsenal team-mate's offer to join Ligue 1 rivals ahead of Lille move

During his time at AC Milan, Giroud formed a close bond with Ibrahimovic, as the two veteran strikers thrived well past their 30s. It was in those Milan dressing rooms that Giroud picked up a message from the Swede that gave further strength to keep going at the top level.

"He [Ibrahimovic] told me that if you don't have this, even if your body is ready to help you, there's no point in continuing. And I have all of this," Giroud said to L'Equipe. 

However, while the 39-year-old took Zlatan’s advice, he admits their personalities couldn’t be more different. When asked what it’s like being in the Lille dressing room with his resume, Giroud said he has never been the type to lead with ego or dominance.

"I don’t have the ego that some players do. Take Zlatan, for example, we don’t have the same personality at all," he said. "When he walked into the dressing room or onto the pitch, the others had to be up to par and make the right pass. I made everyone feel at ease from the start. I'm proud of this availability."

Before sealing his move to Lille, Giroud revealed that his former Arsenal teammate Laurent Koscielny had tried to bring him to Lorient. France's all-time goal-scorer said Koscielny, now the club’s sporting director, personally reached out in hopes of convincing him to join the club, but he ultimately chose Lille. Giroud also shared that he had several chances to return to France in the past, but the timing was never right. 

"My friend Lolo (Laurent) called me before Lille," Giroud said. "A few seasons ago, I also had opportunities at Marseille and Lyon. Olivier Letang had also tried to get me to sign with Rennes, but when I left Chelsea, AC Milan contacted me, and returning to France was no longer an option."

His move to AC Milan in 2021 gave him the chance to compete for major trophies again, a decision that paid off with a Serie A title in 2022 and a memorable run to the Champions League semi-finals a year later. 

Giroud’s move to Lille comes 13 years after his last appearance in Ligue 1, where he helped Montpellier win their first-ever league title in 2011-12. That season launched him to Arsenal, where he spent six years and won multiple FA Cups under Arsene Wenger, and later went to Chelsea, where he won the Champions League before securing a move to Italy in 2021. After spending a year in MLS, returning to France now feels like a full-circle moment for the 2018 World Cup winner, who has hinted that he will most likely end his career at Lille. 

Giroud’s return to Ligue 1 has already begun on a bright note. The veteran striker has scored three goals in eight appearances. His presence has added calm and experience to a Lille side still finding consistency under Bruno Genesio. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Les Dogues, who currently sit seventh after a mixed run that included a draw with Paris Saint-Germain and losses to Lyon and Lens. But their recent Europa League win over Roma reminded everyone of what this team is capable of when things click.

As Lille push for a top-four finish, Giroud’s experience could make all the difference. For him, this final chapter is about more than just scoring goals, it’s about giving back to the league where it all began. From Montpellier to Milan and now back in Lille, the 39-year-old’s journey has come full circle, and he will be determined to end it on a high.