Ibra told me there's only one king at Milan - Giroud
Robin Bairner
- 6 Nov 2021 11:14 GMT
- 5 min read
Olivier Giroud has told new Milan team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic that he is not scared of the challenge he poses, despite the Swede telling him that he is the “king” of the club.
Though 40 years old, Ibrahimovic remains a potent player, having scored three goals and created two more in seven appearances this season.
Giroud, who moved to Milan from Chelsea in the summer, meanwhile, has four goals to his credit in seven Serie A appearances and is embracing the challenge that ‘Ibra’ brings to him.
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Asked by L’Equipe about the former Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United star, Giroud explained: “Stefano Pioli, the coach, asked me about Ibrahimovic and how I saw us collaborating. I told him that if I didn’t think I could play with him, that if I wasn’t ready for the competition, to compete, I wouldn’t be in his office.
“Ibrahimovic doesn’t scare me!
“This is a chance to show that I can play by his side, to learn from someone with such experience. Ibra is a leader. We complement each other and share playing time.”
His charisma, his presence in the locker room and his leadership on the pitch are the highest level
- Olivier GiroudGiroud added that Ibrahimovic is, even at 40, an asset to his club.
“His charisma, his presence in the locker room and his leadership on the pitch are the highest level,” he said. “I’m here to bring something, experience, too. But the important thing is that both of us are still hungry for competition and trophies. We remain decisive and even complementary.”
Ibra told me he is king – Giroud
The former Chelsea striker had a memorable first conversation with Ibrahimovic when he joined Milan.
“When I signed, he said that I was a good signing but there was only one king at AC Milan – and that was him!” Giroud said. “He never forgets to remind everyone who’s boss.
“He imposes his personality. He’s highly respected.
“And I think that he has a real respect for me, as I’ve won great things and I’ve endured at top-level football like him.”
Giroud will vie with Ibrahimovic for a starting place in Sunday’s Milan derby, with the clubs presently second and third in the Serie A standings.
