Centre-forward Olivier Giroud has been officially presented as Lille's new player and he spoke to the media. The all-time top scorer of the French national team appeared at his presentation in a suit and tie.
"Two weeks ago, president Olivier Letan called me on the phone for the first contact and I was immediately tempted by the project. Returning to France 13 years later is an opportunity and a challenge for me. I am happy", said the 38-year-old footballer.
"I am not coming as a messiah, I am coming with my experience, my career, my experiences in Ligue 1. I will have the role of the big brother in the dressing room. I know what such comebacks can bring, as does Paul Pogba. I feel good physically, don't worry. I'm ready to play at a high level for at least another year. I want to play until my body says "stop". I have the motivation and passion. I don't know if I'm ready to play every three days, but I want to be back in the European tournaments and this championship," he assured.
"I don't think about the national team anymore. I received a celebration in March, which moved me. I closed the page. "They were great years, but we have to make way for the young ones, even though they remain a big fan of the team," Olivier Giroud added.
French youth international Lum Chuana has left Lazio and signed a five-year contract with Premier League newcomers Burnley, both clubs announced on Wednesday.
"Lazio announces that it has transferred the rights of Lum Chuana to Burnley," the club from the Italian capital wrote briefly. "The club thanks Lum for his professionalism and wishes him the best in professional and sporting terms in his new adventure in the Premier League," Lazio added. The player made 37 appearances and scored 2 goals for Lazio last season. He grew up in Strasbourg, having also played for Rennes in France.
The transfer fee was not specified, but according to the Italian press it was around 15 million euros. Lum Chuana previously played for Dijon and Salernitana before joining Lazio.
Spanish international midfielder Alex Baena has signed a five-year contract with Atletico Madrid, the club announced in the capital.
"Atletico Madrid and Villarreal have reached an agreement for the transfer of Alex Baena, a 23-year-old midfielder who is committed to our club until June 30, 2030", Atletico wrote.
The club did not specify the transfer fee, but according to Spanish media, Atletico paid around 50 million euros.
Baena is a Villarreal youth player and won the Europa League with the team in 2021. He is capable of playing behind the striker or as a left winger, finishing with the most passes in La Liga in 2024.
The winner of the Conference League trophy Chelsea have signed striker Joao Pedro from Brighton for a fee of £55m plus an additional £5m in add-ons.
The 23-year-old Brazilian, who has three caps for his country, has signed an eight-year deal. He is the fourth Brighton player to move to Stamford Bridge in the last three years, following the arrivals of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, defender Marc Cucurreia and midfielder Moises Caicedo. During that time, Chelsea have also sacked their former manager Graham Potter.
Joao Pedro, who scored 30 goals and provided 10 assists in two seasons with Brighton, could make his Chelsea debut in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup. In the quarter-finals, the Blues face a is Brazilian side Palmeiras, and the match is on Friday in Philadelphia.
"Everyone knows that this is a big club with a great history. Chelsea have had brilliant players in the past, they have some now. I'm excited to join Chelsea because here there is only one goal - to win," the striker told the club's website during his presentation.