Olivier Giroud making the most of dream MLS move as he reflects on devastating LA fires

Olivier Giroud may have won it all in Europe - but it was always a dream to add Major League Soccer to his decorated career.

The 38-year-old left the Premier League in 2021 after six years with Arsenal and then three more at Chelsea, winning four FA Cups, the Europa League and the Champions League in England. He's now living the life in California with LAFC in the MLS, where he's linked up with fellow France World Cup winner Hugo Lloris, after a successful stint in Italy where he added the Serie A title with AC Milan to the French Ligue 1 one he won with with Montpellier 13 years ago.

France's all-time leading goalscorer has already picked up his first piece of silverware with Los Angeles' newest club - who have just kicked off their eighth season - by scoring in the US Open Cup triumph last season. Mirror Football were among a small group to meet the popular striker at LAFC's state-of-the-art training facility before watching their opening-day win over Minnesota United in Los Angeles at the weekend.

The chance to add a new league to his CV, but more importantly to spend more time with his wife Jennifer and their four children, was something Giroud always had on his mind. And then there's also the obvious benefits of living in America - the sunshine.

"The weather is slightly more enjoyable," he admitted. "There's a lot of things to do. I always had an ambition to play here when the time was right. There’s a lot of things to do.

"It reminds me a bit of London, where I lived for nine years, and I really enjoy this city. This determination to be successful and always to work to improve my game. I couldn’t hope for more.

"I always had this mental strength to push myself out of my comfort zone. The determination to be successful and always to work to improve my game. I couldn't hope for so many nice trophies and nice memories like the ones I had with Arsenal.

"Montpellier, when we won the league, was crazy because we were not built for that. Then working with Arsene Wenger and playing the Arsenal way was really enjoyable.

"We won the biggest trophies with Chelsea and Milan too. Winning the Scudetto after 11 years, the fans were waiting for that. It was insane. I feel blessed with all the things I achieved and won in my career."

Giroud is now enjoying the latest chapter of his remarkable career - and has never been tempted by a possible return to England. Arsenal have suffered a disastrous injury crisis, with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both out for the season, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have also picked up knocks.

Chelsea are also without their main striker in Nicolas Jackson - but Giroud is delighted with his life in LA. Asked by Mirror Football if he would consider returning to help out his former clubs, he said: "No, I'm getting old.... I'll turn 39 soon.

"To play in the Premier League at that age, even if you have my determination and my competitive side, I think the train has passed already. Arsenal have a really good squad, good strikers.

"It was definitely one of my best years in my career. As I said, I really enjoyed my time there. The Premier League was my childhood dream. Playing for Milan was also a childhood dream.

"That's why I'm grateful and blessed. If you tell me that Arsenal and Chelsea would like to sign me next year, it's a different story. But let's be serious. I'm here in MLS to achieve the best season I can."

Giroud's move to LA hasn't been without its challenges, though. He only arrived back in September and wasn't quite prepared for earthquakes, power cuts and the LA traffic.

Most recently, Los Angeles battled the most devastating fires in southern California history. Reflecting on the dark side of his adventure, he said: "Since I arrived in LA last summer, we had three power outages in five days of 10, 12 and 15 hours.

"There was a massive earthquake when we were at the training ground. Then there were all the fires. It was a really sad situation. People lost everything.

"Hopefully, there will be better days ahead. It’s part of life. Sometimes you have great days and sometimes tough moments.

"We thank the first responders and firefighters who did an amazing job. It made me really sad. I was scared. I hope they will put all the effort and make improvements to prevent these fires from coming again.

"It cannot happen that often. I try to support by giving some stuff to the people who lost everything. This is when you need to be supportive of the people who need it."

Having now kicked off MLS' 30th season - with LAFC battling to a 1-0 win over Minnesota United on the opening day on Saturday - Giroud is now targeting glory in America with LAFC. And when he does decide to hang up his boots, the globe-trotter wants to remain in a sport which has given him so much.

He added: "I would love to give back to football. What I learned from football, people who helped me to become the player and the man I am today. I want to give back to football.

"In what way, I don't know. I don't think I will become a coach. I want to stay active after my career and stay in football. We will see. It will be a matter of opportunities. I want to stay in football."

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