Fans will be able to buy a Milan goalkeeper kit with Olivier Giroud’s name printed on the back, the Serie A club said after the striker’s heroics in goal in a 1-0 win at Genoa on Saturday.
Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was shown a red card late in stoppage time and Giroud took his place, making a brilliant save to deny George Puscas just before the final whistle. Milan also added Giroud to the list of first-team goalkeepers on their website.
“Last night Olivier Giroud became part of Milan history by courageously defending the Milan goal in the final minutes of the Rossoneri ’s match against Genoa,” Milan said in a statement.
“The club has decided to honour his performance in its last line of defence by putting him in the list of goalkeepers. Additionally, fans can now purchase the goalkeeper jersey and customize it with ‘Giroud 9’.”
After the match the Milan manager, Stefano Pioli, praised Giroud’s mental strength and admitted that his superior height meant he was the preferred choice. “I like to think that what Giroud did is part of our mentality,” he said.
“Pulisic wanted to go in goal and perhaps he had already done it, but I told him that he was too short. We have been lucky in the last few episodes, but it is part of the mentality of a group that wants to give its best and that makes me happy.”
The home goalkeeper jersey in Milan’s official store was sold out on Monday.
