Olivier Giroud savours Ligue 1 McDonald's return with debut goal for Lille
Olivier Giroud wasted no time in marking his long-awaited Ligue 1 McDonald's return. The 38-year-old striker scored just 11 minutes into his Lille OSC debut as Les Dogues shared a spectacular 3-3 draw away at Stade Brestois 29 on Sunday, the opening weekend of the new Ligue 1 season.
“It’s a real joy to be back on Ligue 1 pitches,” said Giroud after the match. “A good little stadium, a great atmosphere, and I think the supporters and viewers saw a real show.”
The France legend, who holds the record as Les Bleus’ all-time top scorer with 57 international goals, latched onto a superb pass from Félix Correia before finishing with a trademark cross-shot (0-1, 11’).
“My strength is in the box”
Giroud admitted that fortune played its part in his first Lille goal: “It goes between the defender’s legs and catches the goalkeeper off guard. But that’s my strength — in the box. It also shows that I’m starting to develop a good understanding with my teammates. There’s a lot of satisfaction in scoring that first goal.”
Meanwhile LOSC coach Bruno Genesio praised the striker’s all-round display: “When you are the French national team’s top scorer, there are reasons for it. He didn’t just score, he helped us with his hold-up play, his aerial presence, and in winning duels. He gave us a lot.”
A Warm welcome in Brest
Giroud, who played the full 90 minutes, revealed he had asked Genesio to leave him on. “I told the coach I felt good and still had the energy to go all the way, even if the tank was nearly empty. It was hot at 3pm in Brest on August 17, but we found the resources to keep going.”
The veteran forward was also visibly moved by the applause from Brest fans both before and after the game. “That’s also why I’m happy to be back in France — to meet supporters who don’t forget.”
Genesio echoed the sentiment: “The behaviour of the home fans is to be commended because it hasn’t always been easy for him with French fans in the past. But he has earned respect through humility, talent, and hard work."
Le Phoenix going strong
One of the more surreal images of the first weekend of Ligue 1 McDonald's action saw Giroud in the parking lot at Stade Francis Le Blé - doing his post-match stretches on a yoga mat. It's this kind of dedication to his own body which has seen the 38 year-old (who will turn 39 in September) have so much longevity in his long-spanning career.
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