AC Milan Reward Giroud With Contract Extension After UCL Semifinal Progress

AC Milan announced on Wednesday that French striker Olivier Giroud has signed a one-year contract extension with the club, keeping him at San Siro until 2024.

The announcement comes just a day after Giroud's goal helped send AC Milan through to the Champions League semifinals with a 2-1 aggregate win against Napoli.

Olivier Giroud

In a short statement, Milan expressed their pride in retaining the veteran France striker for another year.

Giroud, who is France's all-time leading goalscorer, joined Milan from Chelsea at the start of last season and has since netted 27 goals for the Italian champions.

Official Statement: @_OlivierGiroud_ ➡ https://t.co/HA1zJQodng

Comunicato Ufficiale: Olivier Giroud ➡ https://t.co/t4E2Quogmc
#SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/8ImjfFiQzN

— AC Milan (@acmilan) April 19, 2023

"I'm very proud, very happy... the perfect way to celebrate last night," Giroud said to Sky Sport shortly after the contract renewal was confirmed.

The 36-year-old has been a key player for Milan, contributing to their Serie A title win last season, their first in 11 years, and scoring crucial goals for the club.

Milan now await the outcome of the Champions League quarterfinal between their local rivals Inter Milan and Benfica, with the possibility of facing Inter in the last four.

Despite sitting fourth in Serie A this season, 22 points behind league leaders Napoli, Giroud's contract extension is a sign of Milan's ambition to continue competing at the highest level of European football.