Olivier Giroud has discussed the ‘crazy emotion’ of being a Scudetto winner and also recalled that night in February when he single-handedly won the derby.
Giroud spoke during an interview with Sky Italia about a number of topics, beginning by summarising the incredible feeling he has after the team got over the line and won the league title for a 19th time.
“It’s a crazy emotion. I have won some trophies in my career, but this is special. The fans have been waiting for him for 11 years, we have heard their emotion for this Scudetto,” he said (via MilanNews).
“I’m very proud of the team and the fans. Winning another title after the one with Montpellier means a lot. Milan are a great club, they have won a lot. Winning with Milan is special for me, I’m proud.”
Milan went into the final round of games two points ahead of their city rivals Inter needing just a draw to be crowned champions, and part of the reason for that is because of Giroud’s exploits specifically.
In the return derby earlier this year, he scored twice in the final 20 minutes to turn the game on its head and get his side right back into the mix in the Scudetto battle.
“That brace in the February derby made the difference. We played a great match. They are the two goals that give the possibility to reach and overtake Inter and to have an advantage even in the event of a tied finish. These are heavy goals,” the Frenchman added.
“As a centre-forward I would always like to score but it is more important to materialise in the delicate moments when the team needs you most. They are the important goals, I am very happy to have had the opportunity to score a brace in the derby. I still get goosebumps thinking about it.”
Giroud was joined in the attacking department by fellow veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic, another player who feels Milan in his heart above other clubs and has the experience of winning trophies.
“I am very proud to have played with Zlatan, for me it is an honour to have shared this wonderful season with him. When I was little he was one of my favorites. His personality in the group and in the team… he made himself heard,” he said.
“Ibra is too important, when he speaks everyone listens to him. After the match against Sassuolo he spoke, together with the coach. He is an alpha male, that’s how he is done. Even in the bus he took the microphone and congratulated every single member of the team and the staff.
“Zlatan is a top player but also a great person. What did I tell him about the future? I hope he will stay with us again next year. We have won a lot in our career but I really like to see his great passion after so many trophies he has won. For me he is like an older brother.”
Fantastic season. Someone finally ended the #9 curse!
It was a cool throwback jersey but he should have worn one with the scudetto badge though.