Olivier Giroud reveals what he told the Milan squad in a motivational speech ahead of their Champions League clash with Chelsea. ‘I said that I am proud of them, we proved our quality in Italy and must do it in Europe.’
It kicks off at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT), you can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Juventus-Maccabi Haifa on the LIVEBLOG.
This is a return to Stamford Bridge for the France international, who was here from January 2018 to July 2021, when he joined the Rossoneri for just €1m.
“It is a pleasure for me to return to London. I was here for nine years between Arsenal and Chelsea, this is a special stadium and we did good things here in the past,” Giroud told Amazon Prime Italia.
“However, I am here now with the Rossoneri colours and want to do well with Milan.”
In a sign of his leadership skills and Champions League experience, Giroud was asked to speak to the team after last night’s initial pitch inspection, along with the other former Chelsea player Fikayo Tomori.
“The coach asked me to say a few words to the lads. I said that I am proud of them, we proved our quality in Italy and must do it in Europe too.
“Those were words that came from the heart. We are really determined to do well, also for those who had to remain at home.”
Milan made the trip without 12 players due to injuries and squad restrictions.
Giroud found the net 39 times in 119 games for Chelsea, but with Milan he has already hit 19 goals in just 48 competitive matches.