Olivier Giroud has spoken to the microphones of La Gazzetta dello Sport in this morning's print edition. He said the following woords:
Can you still improve at the age of 37?
"You can always improve; it's a matter of will, and assisting has always been a part of my game. I think mine can be a good example for the younger ones: you never stop growing, especially if you're where you want to be. I feel good at Milan; I received a dream welcome, and there's a great relationship with Pioli and his staff."
Shoukd Stefano Pioli stay at Milan? Giroud answered:
"When he was in the storm, I spoke to him, always offering my support. I told him, 'I've been through it too; I'm always here if you need.' When I scored against Roma, I celebrated for him too. The coach and I have a relationship of mutual trust: I always give my best for him and the team, and he knows it."
And will you stay?
"I don't know what will happen in the future. But I know that I feel good here, and I have achieved great things at Milan. Ours is a love story. We haven't really discussed the renewal with the club yet; we'll see and decide later. The most important thing is to stay focused on the team's goals."
There has been talk about the United States: is it the most likely destination if you leave Milan?
"There are other countries too. At the end of the season, more opportunities will open up, and I'll make my decision. As a footballer and a family man."
And if a young striker were to arrive at Milan in the summer?
"It wouldn't be a problem at all because I'm not afraid of competition. It has always been a stimulus for me to do even more; I need it."
Even with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, it was like that. Now that Zlatan has retired, everyone is curious: what does he do at Milanello? Giroud answered:
"Ibra is the link between RedBird and the team; he connects us with ownership without overlapping with Pioli's work. He is here to help, especially on the mental approach and motivations. He talks to us and assists us. He says, 'If you win, I win too.'"
Does he give hope to a 37-year-old World Cup winner too?
"Of course. He always encourages me, talks to me before and during games, at halftime. He wants me to speak up, to help my teammates. Zlatan knows that this is a young group that needs experience, players who speak and set an example. He wants me to be more of a leader."
Rafael Leao doesn't seem like a leader yet. And lately, he hasn't been scoring.
"There are high expectations for him. Rafa knows he has to be even more demanding of himself; he knows his worth. As a teammate, I can say that someone like him is decisive even when he doesn't score. In a team, aspects that may not immediately catch the eye do matter. We know that Rafa can do more, and we support him; he can reach a very high level. He needs consistency. And a few more goals, of course."
On his future after retiring, Giroud said:
"Yes, I would like to become a sporting director. Dealing with the first team, youth sector, transfers – all of this gives you an overview. I definitely won't become a coach; it's too stressful... (laughs)."
Let's go back to the present. The goal is 20 goals in Serie A?
"If I can achieve it, yes. I don't set any barriers for goals! I would also like to reach double digits in assists."
Do you still believe in the Scudetto?
"The goal is to focus on the path. If we are in good shape and do things right, we can try to close in on Juventus and Inter, who are having a great season. We'll face both of them in April, one after the other; we have to be at our best. First, we win and earn points, then we talk. For now, it's difficult to think about the title."
In 2023, you lost all the derbies. How much does it hurt?
"It hurts. The derby should hurt here (touches the chest). Ibra is also here for this, to make the younger ones understand that the derby is a special match; it must come from the heart and soul. We are on the right path, although there are still too many games left."
In February, your Europa League journey begins. Milan is...? Giroud replied:
"... among the teams that can win it. We are a bit of an outsider and a bit favored; it's a trophy we want to try to win because it's missing from the club's trophy cabinet."
Let's award Michelin stars to the best young attackers. Let's take only the best, as with restaurants, and divide them into one-star, very strong, two-star, super, and three-star, the best in the world. Erling Haaland?
"Three stars: he's devastating, too powerful, big but with strength and speed."
Who else is at three stars like him?
"Mbappé, obviously. And Vinicius."
And at two stars?
"There are few players at two stars. Here, Rafa (Leao)... yes, Rafa deserves them."
Benjamin Sesko?
"I've been following him for two or three years; he's still young, can improve a lot. Let's say one and a half stars."
Endrick? And Joshua Zirkzee?
"Endrick played in South America; I've seen him little. Zirkzee is good, but let's not put too much pressure on him; he deserves one star anyway."
No Italians? Gianluca Scamacca, maybe?
"Scamacca is good, but he has to confirm. He deserves one star."
In the end, a more delicate topic. How is Mike Maignan?
"Mike is fine, he's strong. What happened in Udine is behind him but should no longer exist, in life as on a football field, where we all have to set a good example."
Those fans won't go to the stadium anymore. Do you agree with the tough stance?
"Yes, that's right. Now they'll have a match behind closed doors, and the club will lose money. Perhaps this will be a reason to do more next time."
At the end of the game, there was a hug with Mike, with a finger pointing to the sky...
"We are both believers, and that victory, after what had happened, was an answer from heaven."
What does Olivier Giroud pray for?
"For gratitude. I thank God because my family and I are well. I feel fortunate to know Jesus and his life, to be a witness of God's love, and I don't find it difficult or embarrassing; it's natural for me. I try to always be in joy, peace, and love. I pray to be well and for my 'enemies' to find God. For peace and political leaders: now more than ever, collective awareness is needed."
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