Striker Olivier Giroud surprisingly included in Serie A team of the week as a GOALKEEPER after heroics in AC Milan’s 1-0 win over Genoa

• Starting goalkeeper Mike Maignan was given a straight red card in extra time 
• As the most experienced player Giroud stepped up to the task and made saves 
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’

AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud has been named in Serie A’s team of the week as a goalkeeper, after he was forced to pull on the gloves when Mike Maignan was sent off. 

France international Maignan picked up a late red card during the San Siro clash for a foul on Caleb Ekuban in stoppage time, after the club had used up all of its substitutions. 

Stefano Pioli was forced to turn to one of the on-field players and Giroud was the man to don the bright green goalkeeping shirt. 

Now, the striker’s last-gasp save to deny Genoa’s George Puscas has earned him a spot in goal for Serie A’s team of the week. 

Olivier Giroud was a surprise goalkeeping inclusion in the Serie A team of the week contest 

The France striker was forced to make a big save to deny Genoa’s George Puscas

Your browser does not support iframes.

As well making team of the week, Giroud’s stint in goal ensured Milan took away all three points.  

America international Christian Pulisic scored the only goal of the game with a well taken finish three minutes from time. 

Milan were quick to capitalise on his surprise star turn, listing the player under the ‘goalkeepers’ section in the squad on their website, and allowing fans to buy goalkeeping kit with his name and number.

But shortly after the decision was shared on social media, supporters flocked to snap up the shirts, and they have quickly sold out.

I’ve never experienced that in my career and I’m proud of the whole team,’ Giroud said. ‘We fought like lions.

‘The final stop? I made a great save at the end. (The stop felt) almost like a goal.

‘I said to myself, “Go, better to go out than stay in goal”. I don’t have the automatisms of a goalkeeper but I felt it that way. Puscas massacred my arm but it’s okay.’

Giroud was added to AC Milan’s goalkeeper list on the club’s website and they sold a special kit

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Source: Read Full Article