Transfer market intermediary Vincenzo Morabito, who had worked on the negotiations which brought Olivier Giroud from Chelsea to AC Milan in the summer of 2021, commented on the Frenchman's transfer to the Rossoneri to Il Giornale newspaper:
"Well done Maldini and Massara for believing in him and wanting him at all costs. That summer, the negotiation was falling apart, when Marina (former Chelsea sporting director in the Roman Abramovich era) unexpectedly activated the option for renewal and asked for compensation to free Giroud. Simone Inzaghi wanted him at all costs in January 2021 (Lazio), but they didn't listen to him and then, they spent 20 million on Muriqi 6 months later while Paratici preferred Morata (Juventus)."
