Olivier Giroud has granted an exclusive interview to the microphones of MilanNews.it. This is the first part of the exclusive interview, with the second to be published on Thursday.
What do you think of when you hear the word Milan?
"Passion for football, San Siro, the Scudetto, the love of the fans when I was out there on the pitch. I feel a lot of nostalgia for Milan, but I’ve stayed in touch with my teammates and the staff. I miss this club, where I spent three fantastic years (laughs). Now I hope the club returns to the Champions League next year."
You have worn the shirts of several clubs, but can it be said that Milan, together with Arsenal, is the one you loved the most? Considering you supported both as a child…
"It’s difficult to say, but I am very grateful to have played for the teams I supported when I was young. Milan is one of them and, when I arrived there, I realised it is one of those ‘different’ clubs, with a special history. I was very, very fortunate, grateful and proud to have played for Milan.”
Before your arrival in 2021, Milan had gone many years without a great number 9. And after your departure, this ‘curse’ has returned: Füllkrug, Giménez and Nkunku together have scored fewer than you this year.
"What do you want me to say? (laughs). This is perhaps a season where there is a lot of pressure on number 9s. It’s not easy for them to score many goals, but I think it is essential to have a team behind you that makes the difference. A striker cannot do everything on his own."
So if the strikers struggle, it is not only their fault. Giroud replied:
"Absolutely not. It would be too easy to blame them. When the number 9 does not score, it is always ‘your fault’. I don’t like that. Even when I scored, I always thanked the team and my teammates who helped me.”
The brace in the derby against Inter, the winning goal away to Napoli in the league, the one against Lazio, or the brace on the Scudetto day against Sassuolo: which goal do you hold closest to your heart?
"The brace against Inter, because that’s when the chant ‘Giroud has turned’ was born (laughs). Although perhaps the most beautiful goal was the one against Spezia at San Siro in the last minute, when I took off my shirt… That was truly special. The other day I watched all my goals for Milan again and I got a bit emotional. My years at Milan are part of my story and the club’s history. I just want to say that Milan will always remain here (Giroud taps his heart)."
