Olivier Giroud has reflected on his time at Chelsea ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash as well as speaking about the present and his future.
Since joining the club from Chelsea in the summer of 2021, Giroud has not only become one of Milan’s most important players, but he has also ended the No.9 curse. In 48 appearances for the club, he has found the back of the net 19 times (plus five assists).
This season, he scored five goals in the first nine games and prior to the start of the break, he made seven consecutive starts for the Rossoneri. Considering that he turned 36 recently, it is a big asset for Milan amid the injury situation up front.
Giroud was interviewed by L’Equipe and spoke about the start to the season that he has had an the possibility of a new deal, but he began by discussing the time that he had at Chelsea with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
On the period at Chelsea: “I remember a period with Frank Lampard. It was difficult. I didn’t play much. I was very close to joining Inter in January 2020, but in the end I stayed and he decided to let me play, scoring eight goals in the last ten league games.
“I remember the first of this run. It was against Tottenham (2-1). I open the scoring with a volley that gets stuck between the post and Hugo (Lloris). Lampard revives me and we got 4th which means qualification for the Champions League, which we then won.”
On the season he has had with Milan so far: “I’ve always said it: as long as I have the physical capabilities, as long as my body allows me, I will try to reach the highest level. In my head I always have this great motivation. Two years ago I said two more years… but now I’m still very well. I’m still there. My deal expires at the end of the year. We’ll see. But I don’t set any limits.
“I returned from vacation in excellent shape after recharging my batteries. Our season finale was difficult in the fight against Inter for the Scudetto. We have searched for it and we have achieved it.
“After the title, this season will be difficult because we have to confirm ourselves. We started well in the league. I also started well with four goals in eight Serie A matches and another in the Champions League.”
On the disappointment of not being called up in June: “It could have been a blessing in disguise. As I said, I was coming out of a difficult finale with Milan for the Scudetto. I compensated for this frustration of not being called to the Blues with a long period of rest and a lot of time with my family. With experience I knew that the period that awaited us, with matches every three days between Serie A and Champions League, would be complicated.”
On the possibility of going to the World Cup: “I don’t have a percentage to give. I showed what had to be shown. I did my best to be there. Now I’m thinking of Milan.”
On being a leader: “I feel like an old man who can still contribute. I also hope to be an older brother who always wants to pass on and share his experience with the little ones. That’s what I do at Milan too.”
