Giroud describes rejecting Inter and joining Milan as ‘destiny’ and insists derby ‘must be won’

By Oliver Fisher -

AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud has stressed the importance of winning Sunday’s derby against Inter to give the fans some joy at San Siro.

He has four goals in Serie A so far this season and seems to have hit the ground running at San Siro in particular. Now, Giroud will certainly be one of the protagonists of the Milan derby on Sunday evening as the Rossoneri look to continue an excellent start to the season which has seen them win 10 of their first 11 league games.

Giroud spoke to the broadcaster SportMediaset two days before the game against the Nerazzurri, which will be his first experience of one of the most historic and iconic fixtures in world foodtball.

“It is a match that must be won for our fans, I am very happy to play it for the first time and to experience this derby,” he said (via MilanNews).

Giroud joined Milan from Chelsea during the summer transfer window having become a Champions League winner, the latest step in a decorated career which also includes having won the World Cup in 2018 with France. However, it is well documented that he has also been a target for Inter in the past.

“It was not the right time to go to Italy and to Inter. My destiny was to sign for Milan the following year,” he said.

Upon arrival, Giroud found a fellow champions in Ibrahimovic, who is a leader of this Milan squad and has transformed the mentality on and off the field.

“Ibrahimovic is a great competitor and he is a great person and is very respected in the locker room. He has great charisma and is an important player on the pitch. With his team-mates he is a normal person,” Giroud added.


READ MORE: Milan face serious competition from Fiorentina for striker as €20m price is set

Tags AC Milan Olivier Giroud
Serie A Standings

Live football scores . Current table, fixtures & results.