Olivier Giroud is a great striker but not only that… After the red card received by Mike Maignan for a missed exit in the last minutes of the Serie A match between Genoa and AC Milan (0-1), Saturday evening, the French international (125 caps, 54 goals) tested himself as a goalkeeper. A more than conclusive experience for the 37-year-old center forward, who volunteered while Stefano Pioli, the Rossoneri coach, had made all his changes. “We first thought of Christian Pulisic, but it was not our best option due to his height (1.78 m). Olivier (1m93) emerged as the right solution and he did a good job. What he did was the embodiment of our state of mind, of our mentality, of a group that always wants to give its maximum.”justified the Italian technician at a press conference.
A profitable choice for the Milanese club since the native of Chambéry took advantage of the opportunity to put on the savior costume at the end of added time. While his team led by a small goal, Giroud distinguished himself with a decisive double intervention. First by diving his fist forward in front of the Romanian George Puscas, then by grabbing the ball, just in front of another Genoa player, ready to take over. “I almost made a save worthy of a goalkeeper”confided the person concerned to the microphone of DAZN before returning to this crazy evening. “I took my courage in both hands, I threw myself at the ball without knowing what was going to happen. I never thought I would experience this kind of emotion on this side of the field. When I was little, I liked playing goalkeeper”.
An extension in sight?
A happy outcome for Olivier Giroud, allowing AC Milan to take the lead in Serie A two steps ahead of Inter Milan, its great rival. Another remarkable evening for the former Montpellier HSC scorer, more valuable than ever in this Milan squad. As a reminder, the Blues striker is currently in negotiations with his leaders to extend the adventure in Milan. “A prolongation ? We will think about it in June, for now I want to do my best for Milan. I don’t plan anything but I feel good here, and I’ve been happy since the first day”launched the 1m92 left-hander with this in mind regarding his future.
Under contract until June 2024, Giroud would discuss, as such, a new lease until 2025 as recently indicated by the Gazetta dello Sport. The pink paper newspaper also specified that he could be given a “supersub” role if the Milanese were to recruit a new striker. A trajectory and longevity reminiscent of a certain Zlatan Ibrahimović. In the meantime and before challenging Juventus, on October 22 as part of the 9th day, Olivier Giroud continues to make good days for the Rossoneri. There is no doubt that this new evening will reassure the Milanese leaders in their choice to continue the adventure alongside him…
