The French striker Olivier Giroud this evening he bids farewell as a Milan player. These are his words to Sky Sports: “I managed not to cry tonight, I was very emotional. I am passionate about football like a child. On the first day at Milan I felt at home, even at 35 I found a second youth with this very young group. Yes an alchemy was created and I spent three years in which we remained united, even in difficult moments. I couldn’t have dreamed of anything better, this evening I scored a goal and you could see a special emotion on my face. I’m a very happy person tonight “.
Did you expect to achieve these objectives at Milan?
“At 35 years old when I arrived I knew I could give a lot to the club. I was also too happy to play with Ibra, he was top with me and with the group. It was a privilege for me to play with him and all the boys. When I arrived there was competition between us and the coach made him play a bit and me. Then he got hurt and I played a bit more. I settled in well in this Serie A. I spent three years that were wonderful for me.”
Jersey 9 is heavy. Who would you give it to?
“I don’t know, I don’t know. I wasn’t afraid of this number even though Paolo had asked me at that time: ‘are you sure?’. I replied: ‘It’s not the number that makes me score goals’. I was right and I’m proud of what we shared with this shirt and this number. The fans’ chant ‘Giroud has turned’ will remain in my heart.”
How important was Mister Pioli for you?
“The coach is necessarily an important part of the success. I thank him because he knows how much I love him. The trust, the relationship we had from the first days. Even in difficult moments I told him that I was here to support him. I’m also excited for his farewell, but it’s football. He deserves this tribute from the fans and this made me very happy.”
He also said goodbye to France and we are at the end of his career.
“There’s melancholy, I feel it. I’m nostalgic for these years, but I didn’t want to cry this evening. On social media I put ‘Viva la vida’ by Coldplay, that’s who I am.”
Watch out for Los Angeles traffic…
“I still have to find a house, it will be something else.”
Who do you see as leader in your place?
“I see players like Mike (Maignan) well. He has personality, for me he must continue to be the leader on and off the pitch.”