Olivier Giroud reveals he gave his Milan teammates ‘tips’ on dealing with PSG and Kylian Mbappé, while he always ‘dreamed’ of representing the Rossoneri in the Champions League.
It kicks off at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
The Group of Death has not gone according to expectations so far, as Newcastle United are top on four points after beating PSG 4-1, followed by the Ligue 1 giants on three points and Milan with two.
“It is a special game for me, even if last time I was here I hurt my ankle. I can’t wait to play,” said the France international in his press conference.
“I certainly gave some advice to my teammates, especially the defenders, because I know the attacking potential of PSG very well. If we want to have a great game, it must be played as a team.”
There have been reports over the years linking Giroud with a move to PSG, but he has rediscovered his form so well at San Siro that he feels there is nowhere else he would rather be.
“My dream was to play for the Premier League, especially the French contingent at Arsenal. Then Chelsea, but when I was a little boy, I used to watch the Grande Milan, so in a certain way my path was written.
“Perhaps I would’ve liked PSG in the past, but I am very proud to have played for the teams I represented and above all for Milan, who are one of the biggest clubs in Europe. I want to help them get back to the top in Europe. Besides, my generation tended to support Olympique Marseille.”
Many of the questions in the press conference were about Giroud’s Bleus strike partner Mbappé, to the degree that the veteran started to shrug them off.
“I have known Kylian a long time, we’ve been playing together for six years for France. We all know he is one of the best players in the world, but we are not only focused on him, as collectively PSG are a strong team.
“I always want to put the team in front of a single player. When I do well, it is because the team helps me to give my best. I am proud of this Milan side, even if we have not yet picked up the points that we should’ve done.
“We created so many chances against Newcastle, but were unable to convert them. We must find that killer instinct and the frustration of not scoring yet has to fire us up even more. The next two games will be very important for qualification into the Round of 16.”