13 May 2024 , 21:28
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Olivier Giroud is moving to MLS after announcing he will leave AC Milan at the end of the season.
The 36-year-old, who joined the Italian club in July 2021, lifted the Serie A title during his maiden campaign and has scored 48 goals and added 20 assists in 130 appearances. However, the former Arsenal and Chelsea forward has now confirmed in an emotional interview that his time in Milan will come to an end.
Giroud is already out of contract at the end of June and he is expected to join France international team-mate Hugo Lloris at LAFC until December 2025 - a club part-owned by Hollywood actor Will Ferrell.
Speaking to Milan TV, Giroud said: "The next two games will be my last for Milan. My career will continue in MLS. I'm very proud of everything I've done here at Milan across three seasons. It's the right time to announce it. My story with Milan ends this year, but Milan will forever remain in my heart."
Giroud is set to make his penultimate appearance in Milan colours against Torino this Saturday, before playing his final match at home to Salernitana eight days later. Despite turning 37 last September, Giroud has still banged in 16 goals in 45 games this season and is the club's top scorer.
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Members of the AC Milan squad and coaching staff delivered some farewell messages to Giroud as he announced he will leave the club after three special years.
Defender Davide Calabria said: "Hey Oli, I hoped that this moment wouldn’t come. You’ve given so much to this team, to this group and to me. It has been a privilege, I will always remember it."
Theo Hernandez, who is also an international team-mate of Giroud, added: "Hey Oli. This is a message to say thank you for all you've done for this Milan team. I could say lots of things. I hope to see you soon, definitely on international duty."
Olivier Giroud will leave AC Milan at the end of the season (Getty Images)Germany defender Malick Thiaw said: "You didn’t know be, but you still acted like a normal guy. I’m really thankful for all the duels in training, I think that was one of the reasons I got better here."
USA international Yunus Musah admitted: "I remember going to the Emirates as a kid to see you play. To do it together is a dream come true, I wish you all the best."
Christian Pulisic played alongside Giroud at Chelsea and Milan and said: "I feel like I’ve learned so much thanks to you and we’ve had an amazing connection on the pitch."
Another one of his former team-mates at Stamford Bridge and now Milan, Ruben Loftus-Cheek said of Giroud: "You’re an example. Someone who looks after themselves, their body, their mind. A top professional and a top player, also as a person. I wish you all the best, I’m sure you’ll play another 10 years."
To complete a quartet of ex-Chelsea players at Milan, Fikayo Tomori said: "Obviously I can’t forget the Scudetto year when you scored all those important goals for us. All the best Oli man."
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