'Makes perfect sense' - Olivier Giroud 'excited' to swap MLS for Ligue 1 as ex-Chelsea star joins Lille on free transfer after LAFC exit

Days after Giroud and LAFC mutually agreed to part ways, the 38-year-old has signed a one-year contract with Ligue 1 team Lille. The ex-Chelsea man has spent 13 years away from French football but now he is "excited" to make his return there.

He said, via BBC Sport: "I'm very happy and excited to be back in France, home. It made perfect sense to return to Ligue 1, 13 years after leaving it. I've always considered Lille a top French club. It's a young and talented squad, which needs experienced players like me. So I'll also be there in that role."

Giroud has enjoyed a glittering career, winning trophies with Arsenal, Chelsea, AC Milan, France, and more, in a remarkable show of longevity. The striker, who turns 39 in late September, struggled at LAFC but it seems he still believes he has more to give and perhaps a French homecoming can reignite his goalscoring touch.

Giroud, who retired from France duty last year with a record 57 goals in 137 appearances for his country, will hope this upcoming season with Lille can be as successful as his last campaign in Ligue 1 - with the former Arsenal ace helping Montpellier win the title in 2012.