AC Milan have listed Olivier Giroud as a goalkeeper for the 2023/24 season after he delivered a game-winning performance in their Serie A clash against Genoa.
France's all-time record goalscorer was drafted in as an emergency goalkeeper at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Saturday night, after Mike Maignan was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Caleb Ekuban.
As the visitors had already made five substitutions prior to Maignan's dismissal, Milan were forced to play on with 10 men.
But to the surprise of many, Giroud looked at home between the sticks. In fact, the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker showed impressive reflexes when he made a save in the 104th minute.
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Giroud, who has scored four goals in all competitions this season, would go on to keep a clean sheet as the Rossoneri secured all three points thanks to Christian Pulisic's late winner.
As a result of his performance at the weekend, AC Milan have decided to add Giroud to their list of goalkeepers on their official website.
He's also been handed a category that includes stats such as zero goals conceded.
As well as his new position, it appears the green Milan goalkeeper jersey has been flying off the shelves in recent hours, with the product currently sold out on their club shop website.
After the full-time whistle, Milan manager Stefano Pioli praised his side's mentality to see out their slender lead, and commented on his decision to put Giroud in goal.
"It never happened before, it was Christian Pulisic who wanted to go in goal and we told him he was too short, so Oli got the job," he told Sky Sport Italia.
"A lot of strange things happened during the match, we knew it would be difficult, but we held out well. This is a victory of mentality, character, strength and I am very satisfied with my players."
He added: "We had five away games in eight, so being in this position makes us very happy. We know that there are many things we can and must do better."
Thoughts on the Giroud save from Saturday night's game against Genoa?
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Topics:Ā AC Milan, Olivier Giroud, Serie A, France
Jack Kenmare