Milan bravely overcame Napoli over two legs to seal a first UCL semi-final berth in 15 years, and striker Olivier Giroud believes the derby clash against Inter will be nothing less than incredible. Napoli were strong favorites to clinch the tie despite losing 4-0 against the Rossoneri in Serie A earlier in April, but they were ultimately beaten again.
Done, sealed. Olivier Giroud is signing new deal valid until June 2024 right now in AC Milan headquarters together with his agents. ?⚫️✍? #ACMilan
Salary will be close to €3.5m net per one season.
Official statement incoming. pic.twitter.com/iqq5729TNT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 19, 2023
Giroud spoke to French outlet L’Equipe (via FCInterNews) and shared his thoughts on his side’s journey into the last four.
“This is a team with a collective spirit and so we can dream of everything. The only time I made it to the semifinals, I won with Chelsea, and even then we were outsiders. We weren’t the favorites this time either but we eliminated Napoli. Milan are finding their place again, thanks to a good team. There is a total intensity and great solidity which is our strength. It starts from me up to Maignan.”
Despite drawing 3-3 against Benfica, the Nerazzurri squeezed an aggregate win and made their way into the final four for the first time since their historic treble-winning season in 2009/10.
“It will be a very intense derby, Milan will be on fire. An incredible match, with an Italian in the final in any case. The city will experience something incredible and so will we,” said Giroud.
The Milan arch-rivals will face each other in the continental tournament for the third time, after meeting twice before in the semis and quarters of the 2002/03 and 2004/05 editions respectively. The Rossoneri managed to win on every occasion back then.
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