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Olivier Giroud has signed a new one-year deal to remain at Lille, suggesting it will likely be his last as a professional footballer.
The former Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan striker signed for Lille following the end of his spell at Los Angeles FC last July.
Giroud had not previously not played club football in his homeland since helping Montpellier to a stunning Ligue 1 title in the 2011-12 season.
His return to French football was a successful one as he scored 11 goals in all competitions, including seven in Ligue 1 as Lille finished third to secure Champions League football.
And he will remain for one more year to play under new coach Davide Ancelotti, with the chance to feature in club football’s most prestigious competition a key motivator behind that decision.
“I’m very happy to continue this adventure here,” Giroud told the club’s official website.
“A year ago, when I arrived at Lille, it wasn’t something that was entirely planned, so to speak. And it turns out I’m very happy here; I feel right at home.
“I was thrilled to return to France and Ligue 1 after leaving it 13 years earlier. I was closer to my family and discovering the warmth of the people in this region, which I didn’t know at all.
“The welcome I received in the north, as well as the values of the people, which I share, really appealed to me. After just a few weeks, it felt like I was part of the family. The integration happened naturally. It’s pure joy.
“The Champions League is truly the pinnacle for any player in Europe. After a successful season with Lille, securing direct qualification, it was important for me to extend my stay, partly for these reasons. To experience this competition again. Because I feel good, I’m thriving, in a healthy environment, and I can still contribute to the team. And then, to hear that anthem again, to connect with the fans, to bring joy, to relive those great European nights… It’s so appealing.”
Of the new coach, Giroud added: “I don’t know Davide Ancelotti personally, but the fact that he’s a young coach is excellent.
“He’s a coach with different ideas. A new chapter is beginning, and I’m sure that if he’s joining Lille today, and if Lille has called upon him, it’s because he’s ready to take on this challenge. I’m convinced he has a lot to offer the club, and I’m eager to work with him.”
Giroud will turn 40 in September, and he conceded the 2026-27 campaign will probably mark his last as a player.
Asked about his goals for next season, Giroud said: “To do better than this year, with the playing time the coach gives me, of course.
“I’ll need to be as efficient as possible for the team in terms of playing time to goals scored. I’m not talking about what comes next, because for me, that’s just a bonus. I don’t like to look too far ahead, but this will most likely be my last season. The last dance, as they say.”
