AC Milan's French forward Olivier Giroud applauds as he warms up prior to the Italian Serie A football match between Cagliari and AC Milan, on March 19, 2022 at the Sardegna Arena in Cagliari. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)
Former Chelsea and Arsenal striker France Olivier Giroud has told his AC Milan team-mates how proud he is to return to Stamford Bridge against Chelsea in Uefa Champions League. The 36-year-old striker helped AC Milan win Serie A last season and they take on the Blues in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Blues are expecting the likes of midfielder N’Golo Kante and their first choice goalkeeper Mendy back to the team after the two players sustained injuries from different games. Chelsea’s head coach Potter has praised his striker Aubameyang following his good goal during their weekend game against Crystal Palace.
He also praised praised him got his bravery after burglary that happened to him in Spain before he finally joined Chelsea. Midfielder duo Jorginho and Kai Havertz trained with the team despite picking up knocks during the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend.
AC Milan is currently topping the of their group with four points from two games while Chelsea, who lost to Dinamo Zagreb 1-0 and then sacked manager Thomas Tuchel the following day, are bottom with one point.
Olivier Giroud who helped Chelsea win the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup during a four-season spell with the club before moving to Italy in 2021. Speaking about his return said: ”I hope to have a good welcome, because I spent a nice three and a half years here with trophies.”
He also said: “I left the club on good terms, so let’s see. Hopefully.” “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.”
“The pitch here is also wonderful, so I think it’s going to be a fantastic game.” ”When we were walking around the pitch I told my team-mates 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.”
when asked about who he wants to win he said: “I only care that my team wins,” added Giroud. “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.
“But if we win, it’s not going to be a question of one player making the difference. We’ll win with our team spirit and the entire team behind us.”