Better Days!! Olivier Giroud opens up on challenging start to life in America

Former Arsenal forward Oliver Giroud has admitted it’s been a challenging beginning to life in the Major League Soccer (MLS) and America.

Giroud joined LAFC from AC Milan last summer but has failed to hit the ground running. The French World Cup winner has now revealed the ups and downs of his new life in California, including an earthquake during a training session, devastating wildfires that affected the greater Los Angeles area and a burglary at his family home.

Yet, despite these challenges, Giroud remains positive, appreciating the lifestyle and opportunities for his family in L.A.

“It reminds me a bit of London. I lived nine years in London and I really enjoy this city. You can do a lot of things with the family. Plus you have the ocean side, which is really nice. It’s a bit far from Europe but I like the lifestyle and visiting other parts of the US,” Giroud told The Sun. “I brought the family to different places in California, but I really want to go to Hawaii and San Francisco. I took them to Las Vegas, San Diego. Maybe also New York, if I can, for a break.

“It’s sunny almost every single day. You feel far from home, like on holiday every single day. It’s not holiday time yet but maybe in a couple of years. I’m really here to bring my experience to the team and to keep playing to win.”

Olivier Giroud #9 of Los Angeles FC in action during the game against St. Louis City at BMO Stadium on October 2, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)

Speaking about the challenges faced, Giroud said:

“Since I arrived in LA last summer, we had three power outages in five days of ten, 12 and 15 hours,” he said. “There was a massive earthquake when we were at the training ground. There were all the fires. It was a really sad situation. People lost everything. We thank the first responders and firefighters who did an amazing job. It made me really sad. I was scared.

“I also had a personal bad experience [the theft at his home]. Hopefully, there will be better days up front. It’s part of life. Sometimes you have great days and sometimes tough moments. It was a wish to finish here in the U.S. and to give this opportunity to my kids to discover another way of life.”

Giroud is yet to score a league goal for the club, although he did assist three in 10 appearances towards the end of the 2024 season.