Olivier Giroud seeks reunion with former club Chelsea at Club World Cup as 38-year-old attempts to fire LAFC to a spot in the revamped tournament via the last-minute playoffs

Olivier Giroud is looking to score the goal on Saturday that takes Los Angeles FC to this summer’s Club World Cup and sets up a reunion with his old club Chelsea. 

MLS outfit LAFC and Mexican side Club America are set to meet in potentially one of the most lucrative matches ever played, because the winner of this play-off will receive a place at the FIFA competition where hefty riches will be on offer. 

This showdown came about via Club Leon being kicked out of the tournament on multi-club ownership grounds. 

The play-off will be shown free to air in the UK on DAZN via their app and whoever wins out of LAFC and Club America, the victor will then face Chelsea in their Group D opener on June 16. 

Giroud spent nearly three years with Chelsea before leaving for AC Milan, with him now playing for LAFC at the age of 38. 

‘This is the kind of match you need to play at 110 per cent, basically,’ he said. ‘You know, to get the opportunity to play that kind of competition is a big chance for the boys. I never played it, basically. 

Giroud spent three years at Chelsea and won a Champions League in his final season there

The revamped Club World Cup starts on 14 June and will be free to air in the UK on DAZN

‘When we won the Champions League with Chelsea, I left for AC Milan the year after. It could be nice to meet Chelsea again, but obviously it will be a massive game at the weekend against Club America. 

‘We play home, we need to start the game in a really strong way, with a good rhythm, strong intensity, and play with our qualities. 

‘I’m pretty sure the boys understand the importance of the game for the club, and for ourselves, and we need to grab this opportunity to play this competition.’ 

As well as Giroud, Hugo Lloris also plays for LAFC, with the pair having won the 2018 World Cup for France together.