Olivier Giroud, Stefano Pioli Bid Farewell To AC Milan; Juventus End Season With Monza Win

Olivier Giroud said goodbye to AC Milan fans with a goal in Saturday's entertaining season finale with Salernitana, drawn 3-3, that was the last match with the seven-time European champions for the France forward and for coach Stefano Pioli. Veteran striker Giroud put Milan two ahead in the 27th minute at the San Siro, shortly after Rafael Leao had opened the scoring. Giroud welled up after he netted for the 17th time this season. He will finish his club career at Los Angeles FC after playing his final matches for France at Euro 2024, and he signed off after three eventful years with his 49th goal for the club.

The 37-year-old leaves as a big fan favourite and will be remembered in particular for scoring key goals in Milan's 2022 Serie A triumph, the only trophy he won in his three years in Italy.

When he was substituted with five minutes remaining and Milan still leading 3-1, fans belted out a chant in honour of his winning double in a derby victory which was crucial to their team pipping local rivals Inter Milan to that Scudetto.

Giroud struggled to hold back the tears when speaking to fans on the pitch on an evening of goodbyes.

He called the title win "one of the best feelings of my career" before sharing a touching embrace with his parents.

Simon Kjaer, another Scudetto winner leaving Milan, was equally emotional, telling fans that "the way I feel playing here is the same way I feel playing for my country".

'A fire in my heart'

Pioli, the architect of the league triumph two years ago, was given a warm round of applause by fans and his players, who hoisted him on their shoulders at the end.

"We won and lost together, shared joy and pain together," said Pioli. "You lit a fire in my heart that will not be