Giroud: “This Milan side can win the Scudetto and go far in the Champions League”

Olivier Giroud, now playing for Los Angeles FC, shared his thoughts on AC Milan’s current form and prospects in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. The French striker, who recently turned 38, expressed confidence in his former team’s abilities.

Giroud praised Milan’s quality and experience, stating, “There’s a lot of quality in this Milan. And experience is not lacking: Maignan, Theo, Leao have been playing at the highest level for years. They are much more mature than when I arrived and can lead the team to another Scudetto. And the derby gives them momentum.”

Regarding Milan’s Scudetto chances, Giroud commented, “The club has had a great transfer market. Well-targeted reinforcements, and those who were already there have started great, like Pulisic. In a month, we’ll understand better: if Milan is still among the top teams and the standings remain tight, I see similarities with my Scudetto.”

On Champions League prospects, he said, “The new format gives you time to climb back up. Milan must be ambitious: aiming for the Champions League is a duty. Because the squad is deep and the attack is of a high level, as I said. In Europe, those with quality in attack win.”

Giroud also commented on Leao’s performance, saying, “Rafa is a technical leader, he leads on the field, like Theo. We need to understand one thing: everyone has their own personality, you can’t force a boy’s character expecting charisma at all costs, that’s what Maignan is for. Rafa and Theo impact with plays and goals.”

When asked about comparisons between Leao and Henry, Giroud cautioned, “We can’t compare a champion who has had a full career with a boy who is only 25 years old. Let’s wait and count at the end: Rafa has everything, the hardest thing is to be at 100% of his potential every week. It depends on him, on how demanding he is with himself. Fatherhood will help him grow.”

Finally, on his potential future role at Milan, Giroud expressed, “Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the world and I have lived unforgettable moments with that shirt. If I had the opportunity to work for Milan, I would be very happy. But I don’t want problems with my friend Ibra, eh! For sure, I will always remain a great Rossoneri fan.”