Chelsea legend Olivier Giroud tries hand at new sport after he and Hugo Lloris inspire LAFC to US Open Cup final win
OLIVIER GIROUD has turned his hand to another sport after lifting the US Open Cup with LAFC this week.
The former Chelsea and Arsenal striker helped inspire the Los Angeles club to a 3-1 victory over Sporting KC in the final of the USA‘s oldest ongoing competition.
Giroud, playing alongside LAFC teammate Hugo Lloris in LA, bagged the opening goal of the game to win his first piece of silverware since joining the Black and Gold as a free agent this summer.
The 37-year-old, who swapped AC Milan for the MLS, was joined by Omar Campos and Kei Kamara on the scoresheet for LAFC after they left it late to grab two goals in extra-time to win the match.
But after bagging a trophy on the pitch, Giroud tried his hand a pitching instead.
The Frenchman headed out to Dodger Stadium to have a go at Baseball with the LA Dodgers.
Parading the US Open Cup trophy, the 137-time French international Giroud stepped up to the plate to throw the first pitch in the Dodgers’ 7-2 victory over the San Diego Padres.
The star striker successfully threw the ceremonial pitch and showed that he’s just as good with his hands as he is with his feet.
Giroud left AC Milan to play for LAFC and can feel vindicated in his decision to do so after explaining that he’s achieved what he set out to.
Speaking after the US Open Cup success, he said: “It is different when you have to play in a final. You just go for it. I’m really proud of the team.
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“I came here to play finals and win trophies.”
While fellow ex-Premier Leaguer star Hugo Lloris – who made four saves in the clash – opened up on the boost that the trophy can give the side heading into the last part of the MLS season.
He said: “A trophy is a trophy. It means a lot for the club and we celebrated with the fans because they deserved it as well.
“It helps gives us a boost for the end of the season.”
LAFC currently sit fourth in the MLS Western Conference, looking likely to qualify for the Final Series in the post-season.
The Los Angeles club have now won four trophies since they were founded in 2018.
Giroud and Lloris are just two of a host of ex-Prem stars that have played for the MLS since its creation including Gareth Bale and Carlos Vela.