Olivier Giroud admits he will ‘frame’ the goalkeeper’s jersey after making a desperate last-gasp save to beat Genoa 1-0 and send Milan top of the table. ‘I never experienced a moment like this!’
The 37-year-old striker has been the hero many times for the Rossoneri with late goals, but he has never had to pull on the gloves and come to their rescue at the other end of the field.
Maignan was sent off for rushing outside the area and crashing into Caleb Ekuban, so with all the substitutions completed, Giroud went in goal and faced a free kick that hit the crossbar, then made a decisive save.
“I never experienced a moment like this!” laughed Giroud to Sky Sport Italia.
“I am very proud for the team, we fought to the end, I made a good save! I was also lucky with the crossbar. We fought like lions and I am very happy for the fans.”
Did making that save give him the same adrenaline rush as scoring a goal?
“Almost, I wasn’t sure if it was going to be a header or not, so I thought just go and it’s better to be there than staying on the line. I do not have the movements of a goalkeeper, but that is what I felt. It really hurt my arm, but that’s fine.
“I did like to go in goal when I was a kid, so that’s why I was chosen.”
Milan lost 5-1 to Inter in the Derby della Madonnina, yet are now two points clear of their city rivals at the top of the table, having won every other game.
“We never give in, we got a slap in the face, but the most important thing is the next match. We raised our heads, raised the bar and are top of the table.”
Giroud insisted on giving the post-match interviews wearing Maignan’s jersey.
“I am keeping this jersey now, I’m framing it!”