AC Milan striker, Olivier Giroud, who was recently called-up to the French national team to replace the injured Karim Benzema, has granted an exclusive interview to those at La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The 35-year-old French centre-forward talked about the competition for the Scudetto:
"Inter have not sunk and remain a danger like Napoli and Juve. We are aware that the Scudetto is within reach, but we must remain lucid, humble, to continue to work hard until the end", he said.
"We only have some finals to play, we will face them at 200 percent to achieve our goal which is also a dream: to bring the Scudetto back to Milan, eleven years after the last one. Scudetto is another childhood dream. It's true, as a boy I followed the French Arsenal a lot, but I supported Milan a lot for my favorite player Shevchenko. I would be really proud to let Milan win like him."
On his idol Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
"I told him that my friends gave me his Barcelona shirt. He laughed a bit about it. without fooling myself too much. At the time I was just starting out and he was already at the top. I liked him for his style and personality on the pitch. I'm proud to be able to work with him, learn every day from him too. He's almost an older brother and an element that is very important for everyone", declared Giroud.
On his future:
"If I want to play until I'm 40 like Ibra? We share the same desire and determination to go beyond the limits and continue to make our contribution. I don't know if I will play until I am 40 but, I want to stay at the top as long as my physique allows me. Mentally, I am ready. At Milan, I am fine. The fans have welcomed me very well, I have made the most of this opportunity by carving out my space. It is clear that in the medium-term I want to stay at Milan for a while."
Giroud on Theo Hernandez and Mike Maignan:
"Theo is not a surprise, but he is impressive. It is no coincidence that he is in the national team. Mike? The same is said for him, he is the future of France in the goalkeeper position, when Lloris stops. Pierre (Kalulu)? He surprised me by the ease of his versatility, as a central he is doing great things. He is young but shows a lot of maturity. I am happy for him, he deserves everything because he works hard."
