Olivier Giroud is showing no signs of slowing down as his wonderful career keeps taking new and unexpected turns.
Has Olivier Giroud been in the headlines recently?
The Frenchman is of course known for his goalscoring exploits for both club and country, yet he found himself in a rather different scenario than he is used to for AC Milan at the start of October.
During a tie against Genoa in Serie A, Giroud found himself taking over from goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who was sent off with just seven minutes to go.
The striker played an integral role in Milan registering a crucial victory as he made a vital stop with minutes left on the clock and a 1-0 win was secured.
The 37-year-old has already claimed one league title during his spell in Milan and with regard to football betting odds, they are 50/1 to win their first Champions League crown since 2007.
The Serie A side reached the semifinals of the competition during the 2022/23 season and Giroud will be hoping to defy the odds and claim the biggest title of his club career during the current campaign.
ICYMI on Saturday: Olivier Giroud, goalkeeping hero ?
Everyone’s favourite chiselled-cheekboned Frenchman played the last 7 minutes in goal for AC Milan, closing out a 1-0 win away at Genoa ? pic.twitter.com/18c6Uxirnp
— Canadian Soccer Daily (@CANSoccerDaily) October 8, 2023
How have Olivier Giroud’s former clubs fared this season?
The former Montpellier forward played for two English sides during his career – Arsenal and Chelsea – and both teams are aiming to return to the heights they achieved during the first decade of the 21st century.
Chelsea have sparkled in patches under Maurico Pochettino, yet they have won just three of their nine league matches so far, but the Argentinian’s project is very much in the embryonic stage and time must be given in order to see the best results.
Arsenal on the other hand, have gone the first nine matches unbeaten and the Premier League odds of them winning a first title since the 2003/04 season are 9/2, meaning they are the second favourites behind Manchester City.
Giroud failed to win an English top-flight title during his near-decade stint in London across both teams, although he did manage to win four FA Cups and based on current form, Arsenal are best placed to break the City/Liverpool duopoly of late.
How has Olivier Giroud performed this season?
Despite entering the Indian summer stage of his career, the French striker is clearly a key part of the Milan squad, evidenced by his recent goalkeeping cameo.
?? Ligue 1 at Montpellier
? 3 FA Cups, scoring/assisting in each final at Arsenal.
? Champions League, Europa & FA Cup at Chelsea.
?? Scudetto at AC Milan
?? France’s second all-time top scorer & World Cup winner.
? Puskas Award 2017Olivier Giroud’s career is legendary ? pic.twitter.com/R0UY2WCMCY
— GiveMeSport (@GiveMeSport) September 9, 2022
Across just six Serie A starts during the current season, Giroud has managed to score four times while he has also showcased his selfless side, registering three assists and the striker is enjoying his spell in Italy.
These attacking statistics mean he ranks first across the whole squad for goals and assists (seven), along with ranking first for shots on target per game (one) and big chances created (three), indicating he is still able to perform at the highest level, despite approaching 38 years of age.
The 127-cap gem may be entering the twilight years of his career, yet he could end it by securing another few trophies for the Rossoneri, with a coveted Champions League crown firmly in his sights this season.
Image from: unsplash.com
