The new number 9 of AC Milan, Olivier Giroud, made his impact known in his first appearance with his first touch in the friendly game against Nice a couple of days ago. Now, the club has presented their Frenchman, 34, to the media in a press conference.
The former Chelsea and Arsenal striker, Champions League and World Cup winner started the conference with these words:
"When I was a kid, I watched Arsenal for the French players but I also watched AC Milan. For me it's great to play for these two teams. When I was young I watched Papin and Shevchenko, whom I became friends with and discussed my future with him. I also clearly looked at Van Basten who was a legend of this club. For me it is an honor to play in this club where so many legends have played. When Maldini called me on Facetime it was incredible. It is a dream that becomes reality."
On his attitude and behaviour in training:
"I bring a smile to the training sessions. That has always been my style. My motto? No pain, no gain. I want to be a great player as well as a great person. I try to be as professional as possible."
On his qualities:
"I believe that mental concentration is an important part in modern sports, including football. I would highlight my spirit and determination to help the team and encourage the young players to grow. I would like to be an older brother to them."
On Ibrahimovic:
"Zlatan Ibrahimovic has a great personality. I had the opportunity to speak with him in training. I came here with a lot of humility and the will to work hard. I believe we can both bring the maximum to the team. We can play together if the coach wants. It is a great opportunity to play with Ibra. Mister Pioli chooses the line-up, not me. I'm here to bring my experience. I believe that great players can always understand each other well on the pitch. I always adapt my game to my teammates. Ibra plays more like number 10, so we can be complementary."
Olivier Giroud continued to add about Ibrahimovic, "Milan are not just Ibrahimovic and Giroud, there are many other great players here. I am very happy with the welcome of the staff. We are not wondering what Giroud and Ibra will do, but we are working hard."
On his goals:
"I want to win trophies with Milan, I'm here for that too. My goals? I will not tell you here. I will give my best for the team and I hope to score as much as possible. We want to achieve the best for the club and get the most out of it."
On his decision to leave Chelsea:
"At Chelsea, my adventure came to an end. The coach was thinking of other strikers, so it was time to leave."
On playing the Champions League with AC Milan:
"I think Milan are one of the biggest clubs in Europe. It is true that the Rossoneri had been missing from the Champions League competition for a few years. However, the club is now doing everything to catch up using great andyoung players. I believe we have the qualities to do well in the Champions League. It will be nice to play this competition and it will be even better to do it with Milan."
On wearing the number 9 at Milan:
"I'm not superstitious, I'm a Christian and I believe I can handle the pressure of this shirt which was worn by Inzaghi, Van Basten and Jean-Pierre Papin. I will do my best to make the fans proud."
On former teammate at Chelsea Ziyech (who is linked to Milan):
"He is a great player, we had a good understanding in the few games we played together, he has a fantastic left foot. The more great players we have on the team, the better we can do. I would be more than happy to welcome him here."
On raising the pressure at Milan:
"I think that raising the pressure is not the right term to use. I'm here because I believe in Milan's project, giving the best to the team and bringing out the best in them. We know how important Ibrahimovic has been for this team and his career and the trophies he has raised prove it. He is very demanding both with himself and with others. With this spirit, you can win. I will do everything to make this happen with Milan as well."
On being an 'alternative' to Ibrahimovic:
"I do not consider myself as an alternative. Coach Pioli will decide. When I join a team, I do it to play as many games as possible. I'm not worried about myself, but I'm thinking about the squad as well. Massara and Gazidis know my qualities and have given me confidence."
On coach Sarri's words:
"I did not speak with coach Maurizio Sarri. But, I did hear what he said about me during a press conference. It was very nice of him. We spent a season together and I'm happy he won the Europa League with us at Chelsea."
You have won a World Cup, a Champions League and many other trophies. Do you feel undervalued in the face of all these successes?
"You always meet haters on your path but there are also many people who support you. I know there are people who don't consider me as Messi and Ronaldo but you have to deal with negative opinions. Thanks to my mental strength I went beyond the difficulties encountered in my career and I have tried to transform these negative energies into positive ones. It is true sometimes they tell me that I am underestimated but I do not listen to what people say, I do not look at social media to understand if I have played well or badly but I only listen my family and friends and I try to give my best as I have always done in my career. I want to make Milan fans and my family proud."
By coming to Milan, are you planning to avenge yourself against the negative opinions by the French press?
"I still have the motivation to give a lot on the pitch and if you have this factor, the body is ready to give a lot more on the pitch. Ibrahimovic is an example. I want to continue to give a lot more for Milan and I can still do a lot in football", concluded Olivier Giroud.