The 40-year-old Frenchman entered the match in the 78th minute, eight years after leaving north London following five and a half seasons with the Gunners. His appearance prompted an affectionate response from the home crowd, who remembered his contribution to the club between 2012 and 2018.
Speaking to Canal+ after the match, Giroud expressed his gratitude to supporters of both teams.
“The supporters were fantastic tonight. Those from Lille, who sang my famous song. Those from Arsenal too, of course. I took the time to have a little walk around the stadium, it was brilliant,” he said.
The reception brought back memories of a significant period in his career, during which Giroud scored 105 goals in 253 appearances for Arsenal and won three FA Cups.
“It was a great feeling, with special emotions. I spent five and a half years here, and they haven’t forgotten me. That’s what’s beautiful about the English,” the Lille forward added.
Giroud’s departure from Arsenal in January 2018 marked the end of a lengthy spell in English football. He subsequently joined Chelsea, winning the FA Cup and Europa League before moving to AC Milan, where he claimed the Serie A title. He later returned to France with Lille.
The striker has remained a familiar figure to Arsenal supporters, and Tuesday’s reception demonstrated the affection he still commands at the club.
However, the evening brought mixed emotions. Lille struggled to contain Arsenal after the break, conceding three goals as the hosts secured victory in the Champions League.
Giroud admitted he would have preferred a better result for his current team, despite enjoying the opportunity to reconnect with his former supporters.
“I would have preferred us to get something out of the match tonight, but I’m happy to have had this reunion with my former club,” he said.
The result left Lille disappointed, but Giroud departed the Emirates with a reminder of the lasting connection he built during his years in north London.