Olivier Giroud will bid farewell to AC Milan during tomorrow night’s game against Salernitana, and he has also announced that he will retire from international football after the European Championship.
After Giroud confirmed his exit during an interview with Milan TV 10 days ago, LAFC then officially announced on their website that the striker will join on a Designated Player contract through 2025, with an option through 2026.
Giroud gave an interview to L’Equipe in which he spoke about a number of different topics including his decision to try the MLS and what the past season was like, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“A few months had passed, knowing that I was at the end of my contract. I made this decision several months ago and it has come to fruition in the last few weeks,” he said.
“We already had to make the decision to go to MLS, then after seeing the club. The weight of the years is starting to make itself felt and I thought well. Playing every three days is increasingly complicated, especially at this level. I’m not going there to be a tourist, but I think it’s the right time for me.”
Giroud then said that he spoke with Zlatan Ibrahimovic about the American league given that the Swede played for the Los Angeles Galaxy.
“Yes, he explained to me what awaits me He told me that I will be able to have fun because the attackers get many scoring opportunities. He also said to be careful not to get heat stroke when we play in Houston or Dallas in the summer.”
In terms of scoring, the season that is about to end was actually Giroud’s most prolific at Milan, but he does not feel satisfied.
“It’s true that on a statistical level I did well, but it’s not the best way to say goodbye to Milan. Returning to the discussion Personally, I scored 14 goals and 8 assists in the league.
“Considering my age, not many people thought that I could still make this contribution . It means that I was often involved in the game and that I made my contribution.”
The French striker then returned to talk about his relationship with Ibrahimovic, who also appears in his documentary.
“The production team told me that it would be fantastic to have him in the documentary. We met in a small restaurant in Milan and started talking. I reminded him that at Milan he welcomed me with a shocking phrase: ‘Remember that in Milan there is only one king and it’s me’.
“We had a very nice relationship. There was mutual respect and working with him was stimulating, because I am competitive. We experienced some extraordinary moments together with Milan like the Scudetto win two years ago.
“Like him, I was a leader in my own way. I’m not used to barking. I try to speak punctually and with relevance. And as Zlatan says: ‘The guy who says nothing is often the most dangerous’.”
