Giroud explains why Milan spell was so special and lifts lid on ‘different’ Ibrahimovic | OneFootball

Olivier Giroud has admitted that winning the Scudetto with AC Milan was the best experience of his club career, and also shed light on Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Giroud joined Milan during the 2021 summer transfer window from Chelsea and he would leave in 2024 as a fan favourite, scoring some huge goals in the 2021-22 Scudetto-winning season, including a derby-winning brace against Inter.

He decided to leave last year to try a new experience in the United States with Los Angeles FC. Speaking in a previous interview he revealed that he has no regrets about that decision, because he left the Rossoneri on a high.

On Sunday night ahead of France’s game against Croatia, the striker was honoured with a shirt commemorating his goals for the National Team in front of an adoring crowd, before some penalty heroics from Mike Maignan.

Giroud gave an interview to Le Parisien in which he also spoke about his time at Milan and what it was like to play alongside a character like Ibrahimovic, with his comments relayed by MilanPress.

“I had nine wonderful years in England, but I could hardly find a better league than Serie A. Playing for the great Milan and winning the Scudetto in 2022 was incredible. As a child I supported that club, so having had the chance to defend those colours for three years was a great source of pride.

“I had the opportunity to work with Maldini, Pioli, Ibra… In Italy I had fun. I had never felt anything like it before [the passion of fans]. San Siro is the true temple of football.

“Ibrahimovic? He is different than youmight imagine: he may seem arrogant, but in reality he has great charisma. In the dressing room he shows great attention to the well-being of the group and is always very attentive.

“He is demanding both with himself and with the team, especially with the younger ones. Zlatan is a driving force, a true leader, he is capable of improving those around him. We share fundamental values ​​such as respect, commitment and professionalism.”