30 October 2023 , 09:54
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Olivier Giroud issued a grovelling apology to AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli after his furious reaction to being substituted against Napoli.
The former Chelsea and Arsenal frontman had put his side in control against the reigning Serie A champions with two first-half strikes. His first was a glancing header from Christian Pulisic ’s cross.
Giroud then repeated the trick only minutes later from Davide Calabria’s centre to put his side two-up at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. However, Napoli hit back after the break through Matteo Politano before a stunning Giacomo Raspadori free-kick.
Giroud was substituted late on, triggering a furious reaction as he refused to sit on the bench. He has since apologised to his manager Pioli for his outburst.
As quoted by Sky Sport Italia, he said: “I am only human, I am not a robot. I felt disappointed because I was convinced I could help my teammates, that I still had energy left and wanted to stay on.
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“Of course, after five minutes I calmed down and apologised to the coach. I respect his decisions and I just want what is best for the team. I was frustrated because we should’ve won this game.”
Speaking further on the game, he was left bemoaning the fact that his side could not hold on to victory. “On a personal level, I am happy for the two goals and grateful for the two great crosses from my teammates,” the 37-year-old added.
Olivier Giroud was furious after being taken off against Napoli (Getty Images)Who do you think will win Serie A this season? Share your predictions in the comments below
“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.”
He concluded: “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.
“The atmosphere in the stadium pushed them on too, that goal was the turning point of the game. I feel angry and frustrated, especially because I saw Inter win before our match and I hope these two dropped points won’t come back to haunt us later on.”
The draw leaves Milan third in the Serie A standings after ten matches and three points behind current leaders Inter. Napoli are four points behind in the final Champions League spot.
Giroud will be aiming to extend his good form ahead of next weekend’s clash with Udinese. He has six goals and three assists in nine league appearances this term.