Premier League legend Olivier Giroud forced to issue grovelling apology after furious outburst at manager
OLIVIER GIROUD was forced to issue a grovelling apology after his furious outburst at his AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea star was raging after being substituted in the Serie A clash against Napoli on Sunday.
Giroud, 37, put his side in the lead against the reigning Serie A champs with his two first-half strikes.
Chelsea’s ex-striker fired in a header from Christian Pulisic‘s cross and then repeated the trick just minutes later from Davide Calabria’s pass.
But Napoli hit back in the second half after Matteo Politano’s breakthrough and Giacomo Raspadori‘s free-kick.
And the French international was fuming when he was replaced by Noah Okafor later in the game.
As he was taken off the pitch, the Rossoneri frontman refused to sit on the bench.
He apologised to his boss Pioli for the outburst after the game.
Giroud said to Sky Sport Italia: “I am only human, I am not a robot. I felt disappointed because I was convinced I could help my team-mates, that I still had energy left and wanted to stay on.
“Of course, after five minutes I calmed down and apologised to the coach.
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“I respect his decisions and I just want what is best for the team. I was frustrated because we should’ve won this game.”
Giroud then revealed his frustration of losing the two-goal lead at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
He continued: “On a personal level, I am happy for the two goals and grateful for the two great crosses from my team-mates.
“However, I am disappointed with the result. We had the opportunity to win the game and created so many chances, but were unable to put the game to bed.”
AC Milan are third in Serie A, three points behind rivals Inter, and have failed to make a breakthrough in their Champions League group stage fixtures.
They have had two draws and one defeat in Group F and the French veteran said a failure to take chances is costing them at home and abroad.
He added: “We created so many chances against Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund, but were not clinical enough. Today we could’ve had four or five goals.
“Napoli reacted after our great first half. We knew it would be tougher after the break and their confidence was revitalised by their first goal, but we still could’ve done better.”