Since Olivier Giroud left AC Milan, they have struggled to find a striker that has offered them the same quality up front. Perhaps that issue was even present before he joined.
There have been few attackers in recent years to offer the same amount that Giroud did in the Milan shirt. A consistent goalscorer, the Frenchman seemingly fixed something that the Rossoneri had struggled with for years previously.
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He came and scored, it was as simple as that. Not an attractive signing on paper, having left Arsenal heading towards the end of his career at the top level. Nevertheless, he went on to score 39 Serie A goals in 97 games.
Giroud reminisces on Milan days
Since leaving for America, the Diavolo have not been able to replace him, despite making attempts to do so for the past four mercatos in a row. Last night he spoke to MilanNews, in an interview posted this evening, on the striker problem as well as admitting that he misses the club he left in the summer of 2024.
What do you think of when you hear the word Milan?
“My passion for football, San Siro, the Scudetto, the love of the fans when I was there on the pitch. I miss Milan so much, but I’ve stayed in touch with my teammates and the staff. I miss this club, where I spent three fantastic years. Now I hope the club returns to the Champions League next year.”
You’ve worn the jersey of new clubs, but can we say that AC Milan, along with Arsenal, is the one you’ve loved the most? Since you supported both as a child…
“It’s hard to say, but I’m very grateful to have played for the teams I supported as a child. AC Milan is one of those, and when I arrived there, I realized it’s one of those ‘different’ clubs, with a special history. I was very, very lucky, grateful, and proud to have played for AC Milan.”
Before your arrival in 2021, Milan hadn’t had a great No. 9 for many years. And after your departure, this ‘curse’ returned: Fullkrug, Gimenez, and Nkunku combined have done less than you this year…
“What do you want me to say? This is perhaps a season where there’s a lot of pressure on No. 9s. It’s not easy for them to score a lot of goals, but I think it’s essential to have a team behind you that makes the difference. A striker can’t do everything alone.”
In short, if the attackers struggle, it’s not just their fault?
“Absolutely not. It would be too easy to blame them. When the number 9 doesn’t score, it’s always ‘your fault.’ I don’t like that. Even when I scored, I always thanked the team and my teammates for helping me.”
The brace in the derby against Inter, the winning goal against Napoli in the league, the one against Lazio, or the Scudetto-winning brace against Sassuolo: which goal do you hold closest to your heart?
“The brace against Inter, because that’s where the chant ‘Giroud has turned around’ was born. Although the best goal was perhaps the one against Spezia at San Siro in the last minute, when I took my shirt off… That was truly special.
“The other day I watched all my goals for AC Milan and I even got a little emotional. My years at AC Milan are part of my history and that of the club. I just want to say that AC Milan will always be here.”
My striker. Best since Pippo. Truly a striker and nothing can be said to deny it🔴⚫️
Indeed. And can play as a GK too if needed. 😀 😀 😀