Milan veteran Olivier Giroud explains how he manages to keep scoring remarkable goals like the one to beat Juventus when he’s pushing 37. ‘I have the determination to continue playing.’
The Rossoneri needed a point in Turin to guarantee a top four finish, but did better with a 1-0 victory sealed by the looping Giroud header into the far bottom corner on Davide Calabria’s cross.
This means the Diavolo have qualified for the Champions League next season, along with Napoli, Lazio and Inter, while Roma could make it five Italian representatives if they beat Sevilla in the Europa League Final on Wednesday.
“We are very happy. It wasn’t the best game, but it was enough,” Giroud told DAZN.
“We scored the goal and controlled the match well. The three points were the most important thing this evening.”
This took his tally for the season to 17 goals in 46 competitive games, quite an achievement for a man who will turn 37 in September and also played most of the World Cup for France in Qatar in November and December 2022.
“I try to keep in good physical shape and my mind is there. I have the determination to continue playing. If my body holds up, then I will continue and do everything I can to help this wonderful team.”
It is only the third time in the last 50 years that Milan have beaten Juventus both home and away in a single Serie A season, following 1990-91 and 2009-10.
“Last year we did really well in Serie A and not in the Champions League. This year we did well in Europe and less so in Serie A. Next season we want to do well in both competitions.”
They are building for the future, as Rafael Leao has agreed a contract extension to remain at San Siro.
“We are all happy for him and I hope he remains for another 10 years,” concluded the veteran striker.”