AC Milan's seasoned striker, Olivier Giroud, who signed for the club in the summer coming from Chelsea, has granted an interview to the official channels of the Serie A. Here are his statements:
"I am very proud to play for Milan and in Serie A. It is the league I watched when I was young. I am also very proud because my favourite footballer when I was a teenager was Shevchenko. I am very lucky to have the opportunity to play and score like him for this club. We play football for these kinds of emotions and we pass them on to the fans and for this I can't wait to give everything for the team and for our Milan fans."
On his Italian origins:
"Both my grandmothers were Italian and I am proud of my origins, also because I learned the language at school. I love this country and of course its cuisine, I'm a little behind the French one, but it's still good. I can't wait to speak the language better and discover the city better to tour it with my family."
On Maignan and Giroud:
"I felt Maignan when I was about to sign for Milan. I think he will become the first goalkeeper for the French national team when Lloris leaves. He is very talented. I also spoke to Tomori who told me they were waiting for me to try to win the Scudetto. I don't want to put too much pressure but we want to play to fight for the first place in the standings."
Giroud discusses his relationship with Zlatan Ibrahimovic...
"I played a few times against Zlatan. He is still playing at 40 and that means he is an exceptional professional. He takes care of himself and his body, I also try to do so to enjoy football as long as my body will allow me. I think he is a great example for young players and he is one of the best strikers in Serie A. I can't wait to play alongside him and enjoy him in training. I think we will have fun and we want to win something with Milan and with Zlatan it will be easier."
On coach Pioli:
"When I first spoke to Mr. Pioli it was easy and natural. We had a very frank conversation and I like his way of thinking about football. I followed Milan last year and they had a great season also thanks to the work of Mr. Pioli."
