AC Milan stand-in goalkeeper Olivier Giroud reveals pride after Genoa performance

AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud has opened up about his reent experience in goal for the Rossoneri against Genoa in Serie A. 

Giroud was forced to go in goal for AC Milan after regular goalkeeper Mike Maignan got sent off for a rash challenge late in the game against Genoa after the Rossoneri had already made use of all their substitutes. 

The Frenchman managed to keep a clean sheet to preserve all three points for AC Milan in the Serie A tie, even pulling off an outstanding save in the dying embers of the game to ensure his side emerged victorious. 

Giroud spoke to Sky Italia after the game, and was clearly thrilled with his performance in goal, as well as the team’s overall performance. 

Speaking about having to play as a goalkeeper in the last few minutes against Genoa, Giroud said, “I never experienced a moment like this!”

The World Cup winner also praised the team’s general effort against Genoa saying, “I am very proud for the team, we fought to the end. I made a good save! I was also lucky with the crossbar. We fought like lions and I am very happy for the fans.”

Giroud also described what it was like to make a difference for the team at the other end of the pitch than he is used to and explained how scoring a goal differed to saving one. 

The former Chelsea and Arsenal forward was asked if he felt the same adrenaline rush saving a shot as he did scoring a goal, and he replied, “Almost, I wasn’t sure if it was going to be a header or not, so I thought just go and it’s better to be there than staying on the line. 

“I do not have the movements of a goalkeeper, but that is what I felt. It really hurt my arm, but that’s fine.”

Giroud also revealed why he was chosen ahead of other outfield players to man the goal, saying, “I did like to go in goal when I was a kid, so that’s why I was chosen.”

AC Milan will be thrilled with Giroud’s input and their hard-fought three points won against Genoa in a scrappy and somewhat violent affair as it sent them to the top of the Serie A table, above cross-town rivals Inter.