Olivier Giroud and Simon Kjaer were visibly emotional as they said goodbye to Milan fans at San Siro, confessing this experience was ‘one of the greatest joys’ of their lives.
At the end of the 3-3 thriller with Salernitana, their teammates formed a guard of honour and videos were shown on the giant screens marking their highlights in the Rossoneri jersey.
They were both presented with framed jerseys signed by all their teammates, handed over by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, then were given the microphone to speak to the crowd.
“I want to thank everyone. This is not easy for me, especially speaking Italian,” said Kjaer.
“I want to thank the club, the coach, his staff, you fans who gave me such joy I didn’t know was possible in the world of football.
“My feelings for this club are the same I have when I play for the national team, which I represented for 15 years. I was here for four years and it was enough to become my family.
“This latest squad made me enjoy myself every day when coming to the training ground. This has been one of the greatest joys of my life and I am so happy to share it with you. Thank you.”
A born leader, a great man and a true defensive stalwart 🫶#MilanSalernitana #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/v6sL4tMMy7
— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 25, 2024
Giroud farewell to Milan
Giroud is leaving at the end of his contract for a new experience in Major League Soccer with LAFC.
He was already emotional in the tunnel watching the video of his best moments in the Milan jersey, but kept it together for his speech.
“I want to thank the club for their faith in me. All the directors who welcomed me like a brother in this family. Thank you Ibra,” said Giroud.
“I also wish to thank the coach for his confidence and support in me during the difficult moments we shared. It is very important to stay united in those moments.”
The emotional moment that Olivier Giroud was substituted in what could be his final-ever game in European football ❤️️🥹
What a career! pic.twitter.com/ifMtGfIlf5
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 25, 2024
The former Chelsea and Arsenal striker was instrumental in the Scudetto triumph, which was in his first season at San Siro.
“We had an incredible first year, in my view one of the greatest feelings of my career. I above all want to thank all my teammates, without whom I could not do these things. We are a team, we are a family. Thanks, guys.”
As the ultras started singing his chant, Giroud looked up at the crowd and smiled.
“This chant of yours will always remain in my heart. Like Simon, when we were little, we dreamed of this Milan. Our journey makes me and my teammates very proud. I am very grateful and I will never forget these seasons at Milan. Forza Milan!”
What a journey it's been. Merci, Oli ❤️9️⃣#MilanSalernitana #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/ouPnvt2Ity
— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 25, 2024
Thanks guys and best wishes to both of you.
If a club has an ounce of self respect, it wouldn’t allow its players to be pictured in the colours of other clubs whilst under contract. IF they do, they should immediately be confined to the bench and made to train with the youth team.
Simon was done over 2 years ago. And the less said about ‘Oliviero’ the better. Two footnote footballers.