Olivier Giroud believes that he fully dispelled the myth of the No.9 curse with his goals for AC Milan, after a conversation with Paolo Maldini.
It is impossible to forget the contribution that Giroud made in his three years with Milan, scoring big goals in big games and being a big part of the side that won the title in 2021-22, ending an over 10-year drought.
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Whilst it is believed that Milan offered Giroud an extension on his deal to stay at the club last year, the Frenchman decided that it was the right moment to call time on his playing career in Europe and to move across the Atlantic Ocean to join Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer.
Giroud: The curse crusher
Giroud spoke at a press conference ahead of the Club World Cup match against Chelsea, another team that he used to play for. The Frenchman also had his say on the curse of Milan’s number nine shirt, with his comments via MilanNews.
“When I signed for Milan, Paolo Maldini told me during the first video call on Zoom: ‘Are you sure about the number 9? It’s a bit cursed… I said that it’s not the number on my back that makes me good and score goal,” he said.
“No, I want the number nine. And then I showed him that there was no curse, that I was doing well. It’s not about the number nine, it’s about the position on the pitch, and being a striker is very, very demanding.
“You can be in the spotlight when things are going really well, but you’re the first on the front line even when you don’t score goals. You have to show character and mental strength. You have to be mentally strong, even in difficult moments you have to have confidence in yourself and keep working hard.
“There’s a lot of pressure when you play as a striker, but for me it’s the best in football. There are ups and downs, you have to be ready.”
