THEY ARE FOR IT
A TALE OF TWO MILANS
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
THE contrasting worlds of Olivier Giroud and Romelu Lukaku collide this week in the fascinating Milan derby, uplifted to the Champions League stage.
While AC Milan’s former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Giroud (right) is settled, having just signed a one-year contract extension, Inter’s Lukaku is on loan from the Blues and still does not know where he will be next season.
All personal baggage will be placed to one side in the San Siro on Wednesday night in the semi-final first leg – with Italy guaranteed an overdue place in the final.
Giroud, 36, is already a Champions League winner – with Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel – and said: “I will play football until my body says otherwise. I’m very passionate and still hungry – I’m like a mature wine. The Milan derby is always crazy and exciting. I feel part of the Milan family.” In contrast, Lukaku, 29 – a then-record Chelsea signing at £97.5million in August 2021 – appears to be at a crossroads. He has said: “I want to stay and give my best to Inter.” But if Mauricio Pochettino arrives at Chelsea, that might change. Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta said: “Lukaku is in love with this club. But he does not belong to us – he returns on June 30 and we will then all evaluate.”
STEVE MCMANAMAN knows plenty about the sorcery of the Bernabeu after winning two Champions Leagues with Real Madrid.
But he believes Treble-chasing Manchester City hold the aces in a juggernaut semi-final collision that would have graced the final at Istanbul’s Ataturk Stadium.
And that is because the crucial second-leg will be at the Etihad – robbing Carlo Ancelotti and his stars of a vital advantage as they bid to become Euro kings for a staggering 15th time.
Mcmanaman said: “The first leg being at the Bernabeu will probably help City because the magic of the Bernabeu is