Olivier Giroud produced a magical moment for Milan in their win over Genoa as he made a crucial late save, prompting amazement and surprise for fans, players and journalists.
The 37-year-old French striker came off the bench in the 66th minute and had played a relatively quiet match before being suddenly thrust in the limelight.
In the 98th minute, goalkeeper Mike Maignan was shown a red card and Milan had no substitutes left, so Giroud bravely donned the goalkeeper’s gloves as he stepped between the posts, producing a scene all football fans relish.
The 2018 World Cup winner rose to the occasion at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, making a vital save in the dying moments to guarantee a clean sheet and all three points for the Rossoneri, proving himself decisive at both ends of the pitch.
Giroud shared a photo of himself wearing Mike Maignan’s shirt alongside a laughing Theo Hernandez, writing: “For you Magic Mike. The Giroud save!”
Maignan was one of many Milan players, current and former, to react in the comments, posting: “Mamma mia you made me cry! Let’s go!”
Alessandro Florenzi posted a photo of himself with the man of the moment, commenting: “I feel safe!”
The France national team also reacted on social media, joking that the Milan striker’s call-up has changed after his heroics.
Some joked that Giroud was a better goalkeeper than Andre Onana, who made a €55m move to Manchester United in the summer.
Other Milan fans were simply thankful to escape the match with all three points, feeling the trials and tribulations of late drama in football.