Olivier Giroud explains why it was time to leave Chelsea and ‘God wanted me to sign for Milan. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world and I really believe in the project.’
The France international held his presentation press conference today and you can read the rest of his comments here.
“When I was young, I watched Milan games with Andriy Shevchenko and he later became a dear friend who I asked for advice on the future,” said Giroud.
“It’s an honour for me to be at a club where so many great stars have played and it was emotional talking to Paolo Maldini too.
“I want to give my contribution, be a big brother to the players and bring my experience. I hope also to be remembered as a good person and not just a great player.”
He inherits the Number 9 jersey, which has famously been a poisoned chalice since Pippo Inzaghi’s retirement, with many new signings failing to deliver regular goals.
“I am not superstitious, a shirt number cannot change the way I play. Strikers like Inzaghi, Marco van Basten and Jean-Pierre Papin wore this shirt for Milan, but I don’t feel the pressure.”
Giroud is fresh from winning the Champions League with Chelsea and comes to Milan as they make their return to the tournament after seven years.
“I won many trophies at every club I’ve been at and would like to do the same here. I do have an objective in my mind, but I don’t want to reveal it, otherwise there’d be too much pressure. Let’s just say my final objective is to win with Milan.
“The time had come to leave Chelsea and discover a new league. God wanted me to play for Milan. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world and I really believe in the project here. We’ve got what it takes to have a very good Champions League campaign.”
The World Cup winner will turn 35 next month, but has always popped up with important goals when called upon, both for Chelsea and France.
“My age means nothing. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a few years older than me, but it’s all about your mentality. With the right motivation, you can still push hard.”
He already made a huge impact on his debut, scoring with his first touch during the 1-1 friendly draw away to OGC Nice on Saturday evening.
🎙️ “I’m here to leave my mark”
Watch the best bits from @_OlivierGiroud_‘s presentation press conference🎙️ “Qui per lasciare il segno”
Guarda il meglio della conferenza stampa di presentazione di Olivier Giroud#SempreMilan— AC Milan (@acmilan) August 2, 2021