Milan hitman Olivier Giroud refuses to confirm he will join LAFC and MLS next season. ‘I am today a Milanista and very proud to play for this club.’
It was a relatively simple afternoon for the Rossoneri, who took the 2-0 lead after 20 minutes with a Christian Pulisic curler and Giroud glancing header.
Nikola Krstovic was sent off, leaving Lecce down to 10 men for the entire second half, and there was also controversy over the third Milan goal.
Pontus Almqvist was down after an accidental knock to the head from Theo Hernandez when Rafael Leao went on the counter-attack to score.
“I do feel this is the best Milan form of the season. We wanted this victory today, we scored two early goals and knew that Lecce were in good shape, coming off two consecutive clean sheets,” Giroud told DAZN.
“We showed our hunger to score and to be more efficient in front of goal.”
It was the first time today that Milan started Samuel Chukwueze, Pulisic, Rafael Leao and Giroud together, as Ruben Loftus-Cheek was suspended.
“I knew Ruben and Christian well at Chelsea, we have a good rapport on the field. I could’ve scored another goal today, but I feel good.
“The team is doing well both mentally and physically, we have important matches coming up and want to be concentrated on our objectives, which are second place and reaching the Europa League Final.”
It is no secret that Giroud is leaving Milan at the end of the season when he contract expires, most likely to join LAFC in MLS as a free agent.
“I don’t want to talk about my future. I saw what was reported. I am today a Milanista, I am very proud to play for this club and want to end the season in the best possible way.
“For next season, we’ll see. Now we have Roma and other important matches to concentrate on.”