MLS: Chiellini confident Giroud will thrive at LAFC

Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini believes Olivier Giroud will thrive in Major League Soccer (MLS), ahead of the striker’s move to Los Angeles FC (LAFC).

Giroud confirmed his move to LAFC on Monday, seizing the medium to bid the AC Milan fans farewell. Although he’s expected to feature in the Rossoneri’s concluding matches of the season, the Frenchman’s 3-year stint in Italy has formally ended.

LAFC Player Development Coach, Chellini, speaking in a chat with La Gazzetta dello Sport, said, “In January we understood a lot, we were waiting for him[Giroud], but the danger was that another offer would arrive. Don’t think that here he will get the same money as in Europe.

“He can score 20 goals a year and they’re happy, he’s not the type to score 50, he also needs the team. Then in Los Angeles, he could also be an actor. For me, however, he will make the difference, especially with his character.

“Because Giroud wants to win, he is a driving force, he will make his teammates grow as he did with Leao, Pulisic and others. Here mentality matters a lot. If you arrive with the presumption of being the best, you do badly. If you come to learn, you end up performing well. The person makes the difference.”

“The fact that he won a decisive World Cup as a centre forward without scoring. For a number 9, it’s very difficult. Here is his greatness,” Chiellini concluded.