Lloris ends Spurs stay to join Los Angeles FC

Hugo Lloris has left Tottenham to join Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles FC.

The ex-France No1, 37, spent over 11 years with the North London side after arriving from Lyon in August 2012, keeping 151 clean sheets in 447 appearances across all competitions.

Lloris also enjoyed huge success with Les Bleus, lifting the World Cup trophy as captain in 2018 before retiring from international duty last January — and he will now continue his glittering career in California.

LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said: "Hugo is arguably the most successful goalkeeper of his generation and a proven winner. 

"We are incredibly excited that Hugo has chosen LAFC for the next phase of his illustrious career.

"He brings unprecedented leadership experience at the highest levels of football, which we know will greatly benefit our club in our pursuit of more trophies. 

"I would like to thank Tottenham for their collaboration, and I join all of Los Angeles in extending a warm welcome to Hugo, his wife Maine, and their three children to LAFC."

Spurs paid tribute to Lloris with a statement of their own, labelling the French custodian one of the club's "greatest servants".

The North London club added: "We wish Hugo and his family all the best for the future. 

"We shall come together to say thank you to Hugo in person during half-time at Sunday's match against Bournemouth at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

"If you're attending the game, please remain in your seat at half-time as we celebrate the career of one of our modern-day greats."

Lloris had not featured for Spurs since a 6-1 loss to Newcastle last April and with summer signing Guglielmo Vicario starring between the sticks for Ange Postecoglou, an exit was inevitable.

He will now look to enjoy success in his twilight years at LAFC, who finished third in the Western Conference last season and qualified for the play-offs.

The Californians eventually lost 2-1 to Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup final earlier this month — but they did lift the coveted trophy for the very first time in 2022.