Olivier Giroud 'very proud' to make Chelsea return with Milan

Published on: 05 October 2022

Olivier Giroud has shared his pride at returning to Stamford Bridge with his AC Milan teammates ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League encounter between the Rossoneri and his former club Chelsea.

The France international scored 39 goals in 119 appearances for the Blues and was an unused substitute in the 2021 Champions League final as Chelsea beat Manchester City 1-0 to lift the trophy for the second time.

"I hope to have a good welcome, because I spent a nice three and a half years here with trophies," said Giroud. "I left the club in good terms, so let's see. Hopefully."

While he holds fond memories of his time at the club, Giroud did admit that he is prepared to give his all for the Italian side and spoke of his immense pride in representing the club ahead of the contest.

"When we were walking around the pitch I told my teammates I'm very proud to come here with the great Milan to play in the Champions League, to play in our colours and to defend our badge."

The 36-year-old proved vital to Milan last season and scored 11 goals, including a brace against arch-rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina and on the final day of the season to secure the Serie A title - Milan's first since 2010/11.

The forward also helped Chelsea win the FA Cup and Europa League during his time in West London and will almost certainly receive a warm reception from the home crowd ahead of new manager Graham Potter's third game in charge.

"I know the boys, I played there with so many of them, but they changed the manager so I don't really know how they are going to play," Giroud added.

He likely won't be the only former Arsenal striker on the pitch either, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to line-up for Chelsea after scoring his first goal for the club during Saturday's away win against Crystal Palace.

Despite the commonality, Giroud insisted that there is no rivalry between him and Chelsea's latest cross-rivalry recruit.

"I only care that my team wins," he explained

"He's a very good striker, I know him very well. Of course we both played for Arsenal but that's the only similarity between us, because we are completely different players."

Milan head into the game top of Champions League Group E on four points while Chelsea sit bottom. They've earned just a single point in Europe so far after a 1-0 away defeat against Dinamo Zagreb, which proved to be Thomas Tuchel's last match in charge of the club, and last month's 1-1 home draw against Red Bull Salzburg.


This article was originally published on 90min as Olivier Giroud 'very proud' to make Chelsea return with Milan.

Source: www.90min.com

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