Former Milan star Olivier Giroud, not at LAFC, reveals he face-timed Rossoneri players in the dressing room after a 2-1 win over Inter earlier this month but insists he ‘can’t yet compare’ Rafael Leao and Thierry Henry.
The France international left San Siro at the end of his contract in June, joining MLS side LAFC.
A 2-1 win over city rivals Inter on September 22 helped the Rossoneri bounce back after a poor start to the season. Giroud not only watched the game but also celebrated with his ex-teammates after the final whistle.
“How could I miss it? After the game, I made a video call with the lads in the dressing room, and we celebrated together,” the striker told Gazzetta.
“I told my friend Armando Sciacca, the fitness coach, ‘I’m ready to chat with the lads; let’s do it.’ It was so nice.”
“The club conducted a great transfer window. Precise reinforcements and some already had a great start, like Pulisic. We’ll know more in a month. If Milan are still in the top spots and the gap between teams is minimal, I can see similarities with my Scudetto.”
Giroud celebrated derby win with Milan players but ‘can’t compare’ Leao with Henry yet
Giroud spent three seasons at San Siro, winning the Serie A title in 2021-22. Rafael Leao was the Serie A MVP that season, but the Portuguese is still struggling for consistency.
“Rafa is a technical leader like Theo. People must understand one thing,” insisted Giroud.
“Everyone has his own personality; you can’t expect charisma at all costs; they already have Mike Maignan for that. Rafa and Theo make a difference on the pitch. When I played in Dallas, a fan asked me if Leao was worth as much as Henry. I replied that you can’t compare a champion who already finished his career and a guy who is only 25. Let’s wait and see at the end. Rafa has everything. The most challenging thing is to fulfil the potential every week. It’s up to him and how self-demanding he is. Becoming a father will help him grow.”
Which is Milan’s strength this season?
“The attack. They’ve diversified well since I left,” argued Giroud.
“Morata, Abraham, Rafa, Pulisic, Jovic, Okafor, Chukwueze. how many are there? Seven? I don’t know if there are teams in Italy and Europe that are so complete.”
The Rossoneri visit Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League tomorrow after losing the opening European game of the season against Liverpool two weeks ago.
“The new formula gives time to climb the table. Milan must be ambitious, and aiming for the Champions League is a must,” said Giroud.
“They have a deep squad and a high-level attack. You need quality up front to win in Europe. Fonseca needs balance, but now he can work with tranquillity. I know the lads are happy with the training sessions and that the group is following him. I think it’s the right year to do well in the Champions League.”
Is he surprised by Matteo Gabbia?
“No, because Matteo is a model. He works hard to improve and you can see the results. He can become important to Milan, and I am happy for him.”
RedBird advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic made headlines before the Liverpool game by saying that he’s ‘the boss’ at San Siro, but yet again, Giroud didn’t seem surprised.
“Where’s the news? Ibra is Ibra, also as a director. He knows football and, mostly, Milan very well. If you pick Ibra, you must trust him. He must have carte blanche.”
Giroud wants to become a sports director at the end of his playing career and would be happy to have a role in his former club.
“Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I have unforgettable memories there.
“I’d be glad if I had the chance to work for Milan, but I don’t want problems with my friend Ibra,” he said, smiling.
“Surely, I’ll always be a Rossoneri fan.”