Giroud hopeful Ibrahimovic will stay at Milan

Olivier Giroud joked he will treat Zlatan Ibrahimovic to dinner if the Swedish striker agrees to a new contract with Serie A champions Milan.

Ibrahimovic, who turns 41 in October, officially became a free agent last week after his existing deal at San Siro expired.

Despite his age and fitness issues that restricted him to only 12 starts in all competitions last season, the veteran is reported to have been offered a one-year deal by Milan.

Only Rafael Leao and Giroud (both 14) scored more goals than Ibrahimovic’s eight last term, and the latter is hopeful of spending another season with the much-travelled striker.

“When he signs the renewal, I will pay for dinner,” Giroud told Tuttomercatoweb. “We want him to sign, but there is obviously no pressure. 

“He is still hungry and he is important for the locker room. I talked a lot with him. He has the same desire to win even at 40.”

Giroud’s goals helped Milan to a first Scudetto triumph for 11 years in what was the France international’s first season at the club after joining from Chelsea.

It was the second domestic league trophy won by Giroud, having previously lifted Ligue 1 win Montpellier in 2011-12.

Milan finished two points ahead of rivals Inter, while Juventus were 16 points adrift in fourth, but World Cup winner Giroud expects both sides to be stronger this coming season.

“Juve and Inter are the teams that have strengthened the most, so it will be a fierce battle between them and us,” Giroud said.