Olivier Giroud is relishing the prospect of playing in another Champions League semi-final, and hopes that Milan can go on to achieve ‘great things’ when they line up to face Inter at San Siro on Wednesday night.
The Frenchman joined coach Stefano Pioli at the customary pre-match press conference in Milan on Tuesday evening, where he told the media of his confidence in his teammates and their spirit heading into the tie.
“It’s a derby, it’s a special match. I like playing in these games,” he told the media at Milanello. “I’m very proud of this Milan team. We hope to do great things tomorrow, I’m very excited.
“In this type of game, we need everyone at 110%. We know that we can do great things with our qualities and our characteristics. But we must all be 110% charged, I always try to be positive and want to encourage my teammates.”
Giroud was asked what he made of what has been dubbed as a “potential rematch” of the World Cup final when he lines up against Argentina forward Lautaro Martinez again.
The 37-year-old quickly pointed out: “And the Super Cup too – but it’s not a personal thing, it’s not Giroud against Lautaro as I’ve read. We’re united, we’re a team. Let’s leave the past behind. Obviously it’s an extra motivation.”
He continued: “Nothing limits my concentration, I’m a person focused on the things I have to do on the pitch with my team-mates and that’s it. It’s a great opportunity for me to win it again.”
The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker is confident that Milan won’t just settle for being semi-finalists, and is instead dreaming of going all the way, albeit in moderation.
“You should never underestimate anyone,” he insisted. “At this level the smallest details make the difference. We have the ambition and we want to believe in it, we know we can do it but it will happen step by step. We’ll see what City and Real will do, but at the moment we’re focused on Inter and we just want to win.
“We’re talking about a special club. Last year I couldn’t ask for more than winning the Scudetto. I’m very proud of what we’re doing with this team, with the coach and his staff. It would be deserved, for the commitment we put in and I would be very proud to reach the final. It would be fantastic and I think the fans deserve it.”
Kick-off for the first leg of the semi-final is scheduled for 20.00 UK time on Wednesday evening at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.