A heart-to-heart interview. Olivier GiroudAC Milan’s 37-year-old French center forward, touched on various topics, making important statements to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Among the various topics are his future, his performance, the Europa League that awaits the Rossoneri in February and the horrible incidents of racism involving goalkeeper Mike Maignan during the match played at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine.
GIFT – “You can always improve, it’s a question of willpower, and assists have always been part of my football. I think mine can be a good example for younger people: you never stop growing. Especially if you are where you would like to be: I feel good at Milan, I received a dream welcome, there is a great relationship with Pioli and his staff.”
RUGS – “When he was in the storm I talked to him, always giving him my support. I told him: “I’ve been there too, I’m always here if you need me”. When I scored against Roma, I celebrated for him too. The coach and I have a relationship of mutual trust: I always give my best for him and for the team and he knows it.”
RENEWAL – “I don’t know yet what will happen in the future. But I know that I feel good here and that I did great things at Milan. Ours is a love story. We haven’t really discussed the renewal topic with the club yet, we’ll see and decide later. The most important thing is to stay focused on the team’s objectives.”
MLS – “There are also other countries, at the end of the season more opportunities will open up and I will make my decision. As a footballer and as a family man.”
NEW 9 – “It wouldn’t be a problem at all, because I’m not afraid of competition. For me it has always been an incentive to do even more, I need it.”
IBRAHIMOVIC – “Ibra is the link between RedBird and the team, he connects us with the ownership without overlapping with Pioli’s work. He is here to help, especially on mental approach and motivation. He talks to us and helps us. He says: “If you win, I win too”.
IBRA’S ADVICE – “Certain. She always encourages me, talks to me before and during matches, at half-time. He wants me to speak up, to help my teammates: Zlatan knows that this is a young group that needs experience, players who speak up and set an example. He wants me to be more of a leader.”
LION – “There are a lot of expectations on him. Rafa knows that he must be even more demanding of himself, he knows his worth. As a teammate, I can say that someone like him is decisive even when he doesn’t score: aspects that perhaps don’t immediately catch the eye count in a team. We know that Rafa can do more and we support him: he can rise to a very high level. He needs continuity. And a few more goals, of course.”
FUTURE AS A MANAGER – “Yes, I would like to become a sports director. Dealing with the first team, the youth sector, the transfer market: all this gives you an overview. I certainly won’t be a coach, too much stress… (laughter, ed.)”.
OBJECTIVE 20 GOALS – “If I can do them, yes. I don’t set myself any barriers for goals! I would also like to reach double figures with assists.”
SHIELD – “The goal is to focus on the path. If we are well and do as we should, we can try to shorten Juventus and Inter, who are playing a great season. In April we will meet them both, one after the other, we have to get there as soon as possible. First we win and earn points, then we talk. For now it’s difficult to think about the scudetto.”
PERSI DERBY – “It burns. The derby must burn here (he touches his chest, ed.). Ibra also serves this purpose, to make the younger ones understand that the derby is a special match, it must come from the heart and the soul. We are on the right track, even if there are still too many games left.”
EUROPA LEAGUE – “… among the teams that can win it. We are a bit of an outsider and a bit of a favourite: it’s a trophy that we want to try to win also because it’s missing from the club’s trophy cabinet.”
STELLA MICHELIN – HAALAND – “Three stars: it’s devastating, too powerful, it’s big but it has power and speed.”
TRIPLE STAR – “Mbappé obviously. And Vinicius.”
DOUBLE STAR – “There are few two-star players. Here, Rafa… yes, Rafa deserves them.”
SESKO – “I’ve been following him for two-three years, he’s still young, he can improve a lot. Let’s say one and a half stars.”
ENDRICK O ZIRKZEE – “Endrick played in South America, I didn’t see much of him. Zirkzee is good but let’s not put pressure on him: he deserves a star anyway.”
SCAMACCA – “Scamacca is good but he needs to confirm himself. It deserves a star.”
MAIGNAN – “Mike is fine, he’s strong. What happened in Udine is behind us but it must no longer exist, in life as on a football pitch, where we all must set a good example.”
HARD LINE ON FANS – “Yes, right. Now they will have a game behind closed doors and the club will lose money. Maybe this will be a reason to do more next time.”
HUG WITH MAIGNAN – “We are both believers and that victory, after what had happened, was an answer from heaven.”
PRAYER – “For the gratitude, I thank God because my family and I are well. I feel lucky to know Jesus and his life, to be a witness to God’s love, and I don’t find it difficult or embarrassing, it’s natural for me. I try to always be in joy, peace and love. I pray for well-being and for my “enemies”, that they find God. For peace and for political leaders: never before has a collective awareness been needed.”
2024-01-26 07:47:00
#Giroud #Love #story #Milan #Pioli #win #Europa #League #Lost #derbies #burn #scudetto..
