European stars who make late career moves to U.S. league MLS often have a lot of quirks to get used to when it comes to playing in North America.
From pitch conditions across the United States to daily life to extensive travel, playing football in the United States can be vastly different from playing in Europe.
Former Chelsea, Arsenal, and AC Milan star Olivier Giroud made the switch to MLS club LAFC over the summer and is still getting acclimatized to the differences from playing on his native continent.
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While it might sound like an adjustment for Europeans, those who live in the U.S. may find his complaints amusing, proving its all about perspective when it comes to making cross-country lifestyle changes.
Olivier Giroud notes MLS move requires lifestyle adjustment
Speaking to Joseph D'Hippolito of The Guardian, Giroud detailed how much he's had to adjust, but also how much he's enjoying finishing his career in the United States.
"There’s so much different here but I love the lifestyle," Giroud said. "My kids have the opportunity to play football and go swimming after school. I’m lucky enough to have a swimming pool at home, and I put together some goals so they can play football. They really enjoy their life and so do I."
One thing Giroud has had to grind through is the travel in MLS, which is much more grueling than in Europe.
"Travel is massive," Giroud said. "In Europe when you travel in Champions League, for example, the longest flight would be one hour and a half or two hours – apart from playing in Baku for the Europa League final. Here, I’ve already done 20 hours of flight in a month. So it’s important to be even more professional in your recovery, sleeping well, eating well and doing the treatments you need to be fit."
Americans, especially those who travel frequently for work, will undoubtedly have a chuckle at Giroud's assessment of 20 hours of flight in a month being a notably high accumulation.
In fairness to Giroud, his teammates can attest to his commitment to being physically fit to withstand the added stress on the body.
"What an amazing locker room addition he has been," LAFC defender Aaron Long told The Guardian for their story. "The way he takes care of his body, the way he approaches training, approaches games, talks to his teammates in training, the way he coaches guys and things he sees tactically, asks questions in video sessions."
Olivier Giroud still struggling to perform in MLS
It's not exactly been sunshine and roses for Giroud on the pitch, as is often the case for European stars who come play in MLS. There is often an adjustment period where the players need time to begin performing at a high level, despite the drop in opposition talent.
The France international is yet to score his first MLS goal in five games, having struck just once for the club in Leagues Cup play. With reigning Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga and the in-form Mateuz Bogusz both in the mix, Giroud has had to earn his place in the starting lineup.
He will have a chance to shine in the U.S. Open Cup final on Wednesday when LAFC host Sporting KC with a historic trophy on the line.
Set to turn 38 in five days, Giroud is signed at LAFC through the end of the 2026 season where he plays alongside former Les Bleus teammate Hugo Lloris.
"To be honest with you, I’ve been impressed by the intensity in the game," Giroud said of the MLS style of play. "There’s a difference with Europe tactically because the teams are playing for scoring goals. There is really this desire to always go forward and score goals. It’s nice for strikers and for the fans. And there’s quality. There are great players."
