The marketing team at AC Milan deserve a raise after using Olivier Giroud's goalkeeping display at Genoa as a means to drum up new business.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker spent around 10 minutes guarding the Rossoneri's net at the climax of Saturday's 1-0 win at Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris. And it's fair to say fans were content with his efforts after Mike Maignan's 98th-minute dismissal, with Giroud pulling off one particularly brave save to preserve the three points for his side.
And Milan struck while the iron was hot, uploading a profile for Giroud under the 'Goalkeepers' tab on their official website. They even added a link instructing customers to buy his shirt, and the green zig-zag design sold out within hours of the club's X account – formerly Twitter – sharing the news.
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Supporters were able to customise the kit with Giroud's name and No. 9 on the back in what's sure to be a more common sight at the San Siro. Milan's latest win was enough to move them to the top of Serie A and two points clear of bitter rivals Inter after the Nerazzurri drew 2-2 at home to Bologna.
And it certainly wasn't coincidence that the green jersey sold like hotcakes, with the other two versions of Milan's keeper top still available for purchase. Stefano Pioli will call upon either Marco Sportiello or Antonio Mirante to deputise during Maignan's suspension, but fans know whom will be called upon in the event crisis strikes once more.
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"I've never experienced that in my career and I'm proud of the whole team," said a delighted Giroud after former Blues team-mate Christian Pulisic came on to snatch the spoils in Genoa. "We fought like lions.
"The final stop? I made a great save at the end. Almost a goal. [Davide] Calabria massacred my arm but it's okay. . .I'm going to frame this shirt!"
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Hopefully those fans flocking to buy the piece of kit will have more practical uses for their versions. And the piece will become that much more iconic in the event Giroud successfully guides Pioli's men to a second Scudetto this season, having finished as the club's joint-top scorer when they last lifted the trophy in 2022.
The French hitman sits level with Pulisic as the Rossoneri's most reliable scorer this term, with the pair on four goals apiece. However, it's Giroud's input at the other end of the pitch that may have sealed his spot in Milan lore this time around.
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