Milan have played a part in France's latest World Cup bid, says president Scaroni
Astro Arena
December 12, 2022 15:14 MYT
December 12, 2022 15:14 MYT
Olivier Giroud scored the reigning champions' winner in the quarter-final against England, with that his fourth goal of Qatar 2022 - only team-mate Kylian Mbappe (five) has scored more. - stadiumastro
Milan have played a part in France's latest bid for World Cup glory after "revitalising" striker Olivier Giroud, according to the Serie A club's president Paolo Scaroni.
France remain on course to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the trophy after beating England 2-1 on Saturday to set up a semi-final showdown with Morocco.
Giroud scored the reigning champions' winner in the quarter-final against England, with that his fourth goal of Qatar 2022 – only team-mate Kylian Mbappe (five) has scored more.
The 36-year-old has also been in good form for club side Milan this campaign, having been directly involved in a team-high 14 goals (nine goals and five assists) in 19 matches.
He has scored 23 goals in 57 games in all competitions since the start of last season when joining from Chelsea, which is also more than any Milan player over that period.
As Giroud continues to show on the biggest stage that age is just a number, Scaroni says France should be grateful to Milan.
"He's doing very, very well. I think France's qualification [to the semi-finals] is due to him a lot," Rossoneri chief Scaroni told Sky Sport Italia.
"We at Milan have 'revitalised' him a bit. I don't know if I can say it, but I have the impression with us he has found new motivation that he has transferred to the national team.
"Let's say that we too have played a small role in the success achieved so far by France".
Giroud scored twice in France's opening group match against Australia and then overtook Thierry Henry as his country's record scorer with his strike in the last-16 win over Poland.
The ex-Arsenal man could set another record in France's semi-final against Morocco as he is one goal short of becoming the oldest player to score five at a single World Cup.
Giroud is not the only Milan player in France's World Cup squad, with defender Theo Hernandez – who has played in four games – also included.