AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud believes that returning to France could help him end his scoring drought, while he was also questioned about ending his career at Paris Saint-Germain.
Milan will take on PSG in the French capital on Wednesday night hoping they can get their first win in Europe under their belts after two goalless draws against Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund thus far.
The Parisians had taken early command of the group by beating Dortmund 2-0 in round one, but their 4-1 defeat in Newcastle last time out has compacted everything again and served as a reminder that anyone really can beat anyone.
Giroud spoke to the reporters present at the Parc des Princes on the eve of the game for his pre-match press conference alongside head coach Stefano Pioli, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Is this the right stadium, in France, to return to scoring?
“Yes, it’s always a special feeling to return to France. The last time I played here I hurt my ankle a bit, but I’m happy to be back in Paris to play for Milan. I can’t wait to tomorrow’s match, it’s always a pleasure to come here.”
You know the PSG forwards very well, have you given advice to the coach and the team?
“Of course I gave advice to my team-mates, I won’t tell you (laughs). I gave advice especially to the defenders, I know PSG’s offensive potential well. To play a great match, everything depends on team unity: they they are good in every area of the pitch.”
Is there a possibility that you will finish your career in Paris?
“This question has already been asked to me. I am very proud to have had the opportunity to play in big teams. My dream was to play in the Premier League. As a child I was also a big AC Milan fan, coming to play here was a dream.
“In the past maybe finishing my career in Paris could have been a possibility, but now I’m focused on helping Milan to make it a great European team again.
“As for PSG, I never had the chance to go there. They’re a great French club, just as there is another one in the South: those of my generation supported Marseille a lot.”
What will it be like facing Mbappe?
“I know him very well, we have been playing together with the national team for almost six years. Everyone knows his exceptional talent.
“We know he is one of the best players in the world, we must be focused on him but not only that… they have a very strong team.”
Milan started the season very well in Serie A, but in the Champions League they have zero goals in two games. What is missing?
“We always try to score. As a striker it is very important for me to be decisive for the team. Against Newcastle we created a lot but we were not able to score.
“I don’t like to use the word ‘killer’, but when we have the opportunities we have to ‘kill them’. In these matches the differences are very small, we have to do our duty to help the team win.”
Isn’t it Mbappé who has to tell his team-mates how to stop Giroud, the best scorer in the history of France?
“(Laughs.) I have nothing to add about Mbappé. I don’t like to talk about myself, I always want to put the team before everything. I’m a team player. When I do well it’s because the team helps me do well.
“I want just talking about my team, I’m proud of this Milan even if we didn’t take the points we could have taken. We know that the two matches against PSG will be tough but important for us to hope to qualify for the direct elimination phase.
“You know me, you don’t like to talk about me: I talk about Mbappé to my team-mates and that’s it.”
