giroud dazn

Giroud sets second star target and believes Leao ‘can reach Mbappè’s level’

Olivier Giroud has made it clear that AC Milan’s objective for the coming season is to win the Scudetto and earn the right to have a second star above their crest.

Giroud was one of the stand-out performers for Milan last season as he netted 18 goals across all competitions including five in the Champions League, which helped the team reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time in 16 years.

That European adventure came at the expense of domestic form however, and the Rossoneri went without a trophy for the campaign, having been beaten by city rivals Inter in the UCL semis and in the Supercoppa final.

A bounce-back season and some silverware is therefore the aim, and Giroud gave an interview to DAZN in which he touched on various topics, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

On the new season: “I missed the ball, I played with my children, but I’m happy to be back in training. It’s nice to see my team-mates and also the new players who have arrived.”

On Ibra’s farewell: “I’m sorry he retired, we will miss him a lot. I try to be an older brother in the dressing room, I try to help the younger players with my experience.”

On the second star: “Our goal is to have the best possible season in the league and in the Champions League. It would be exceptional to win the second star. That’s our goal.”

On Leao: “He has exceptional qualities, he still has room for improvement, he can reach Mbappè’s level. He needs to improve his numbers, but the potential is there.”

On Pulisic: “He’s a very fast player in small spaces, he’s also good in front of goal. He’ll certainly give something extra to our team”.

On Maldini: “He was one of my favourite players when I was little. For me it’s the Italian class. He and the coach gave me the opportunity to play for Milan.”

On the future: “If I’m still here at 36, it’s because my body allows it. I have great motivation. I have a great spirit of competition. I’m convinced I can still lend a hand to the team.”

Tags AC Milan Olivier Giroud
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