Olivier Giroud reflected on his time at Chelsea, Milan’s strong start to the season and the possibility of going to the World Cup in Qatar.
The 36-year-old Frenchman spent two and a half years with the Blues from January 2018 to July 2021, leaving last summer for Milan in a deal worth around €1m. Giroud was mostly expected to play a backup role but has since become a consistent figure under Stefano Pioli, scoring 19 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions.
Speaking to L’Equipe, Giroud remembered when he was close to joining Inter after a tough period at Chelsea.
“I remember a period with Frank Lampard. It was difficult. I didn’t play a lot. I was very close to Inter in January 2020, but in the end I stayed and he decided to let me play, scoring eight goals in the last ten league games.
“I remember the first in this series. It was against Tottenham. I opened the scoring with a volley that caught between the post and Hugo [Lloris]. Lampard revived me and we took the 4th place which is the qualification for the Champions League, which we then won.”
He touched on his physical condition and the long season ahead of Milan.
“I’ve always said it, as long as I have the physical ability, as long as my body allows me to, I will try to reach the highest level. In my head I always have this great motivation.
“Two years ago I said two more years… but now I’m still very well. I’m still there. My contract is going to expire at the end of the year. We’ll see. But I don’t set limits for myself.”
The French veteran reflected on the Rossoneri’s positive start to the season.
“I came back from holiday in very good shape after recharging my batteries. Our end of the season was difficult with the fight with Inter for the Scudetto. We sought it and achieved it. After the title, this season will be difficult because we will have to confirm it.
“We started well in the league. I also started well with four goals in eight Serie A games and another in the Champions League.”
The 36-year-old spoke about how it felt to not receive a call-up to the French national team in the summer.
“It might have been a blessing in disguise. As I said, I was coming off a difficult finish with Milan for the Scudetto. I compensated for this frustration of not being called up to the Blues with a long rest and a lot of time with my family.
“With experience I knew that the period ahead of us, with matches every three days between Serie A and the Champions League, would be complicated.”
He commented on his chances of going to the World Cup with France.
“I don’t have a percentage to give. I showed what needed to be shown. I did my best to be there. Now I’m thinking about Milan.”
Finally, Giroud discussed his status as a leader in the Milan squad.
“I feel like an old man who can still contribute. I also hope to be an older brother who always wants to pass on and share his experience with the younger ones. That’s what I also do at Milan.”