Giroud admits he was close to joining Inter before Milan: “One step away”

Former AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud revealed that he was extremely close to signing for cross-city rivals Inter Milan before eventually joining Milan. Speaking to L'Equipe on his 40th birthday, the French forward recounted seeking a departure from Chelsea during manager Frank Lampard's tenure to secure more playing time ahead of the European Championship.

Giroud explained that he frequently visited Lampard's office in the final days of the transfer window to find a resolution, noting he was "one step away" from Inter. Instead, he remained at Chelsea before completing a transfer to AC Milan the following year, where he won a Scudetto.