Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterAsk any footballer to list their greatest games and, invariably, they'll include a derby, given the passion and fury that those games tend to inspire.One man who knows this more than most is Frenchman Olivier Giroud, who played in some of Europes biggest and most ferocious derby games across spells in France, England and Italy.Giroud, 40 years old and still playing professional football with Lille in his home country, starred in both the North London derby, contested by Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, and the Derby della Madonnina, between AC Milan and Inter. In an exclusive chat with FFT, he shares his key memories of the two.Article continues below You may like It was a privilege that such a big club were interested in me at that age Ruud Gullit reveals why he turned down Arsenal as a teenager Mourinho was a born winner he pushed us, he took us to the limit. Real had gone too long without winning and a club of that magnitude couldnt allow that to happen Marcelo on Jose Mourinhos El Clasico impact at Real Madrid Martin Odegaard exclusive with Guillem Balague for FourFourTwo: 'I believe this is going to be our year' The songs, the tifos, the people, the derby, the stadium and everything else like that - it just means the world to me Olivier Giroud recalls his greatest derby momentsMy first derby at the Emirates was very special, says Giroud, who joined Arsenal from Montpellier in 2012 and went on to make 180 appearances for the Gunners.My friend Hugo Lloris was in goal for Tottenham and I scored to win the game 5-2. It was always hugely important for the fans and the city to win the North London derby.Get VIP Arsenal tickets HERE with Seat Unique!Arsenal's premium Club Level tickets offer superb padded seating and access to the lounge two-and-a-half hours pre-match. The package includes four drinks, one food item, and a half-time complimentary drink. Guests also receive a �5 merchandise voucher and a complimentary Museum Tour, ensuring an elevated and comprehensive matchday experience for home supporters.View DealYet Arsenal fans may be surprised to hear that theres a derby he loves arguably even more.Playing the Derby della Madonnina in Milan is perhaps even more special, smiles the 2018 World Cup winner. There are 80,000 people at the San Siro going crazy. I have never seen greater passion than that.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.I did an interview with an Italian journalist a few weeks ago and mentioned my love for the club and, since then, my name has been mentioned everywhere - people asking if Giroud will come back to play at Milan because he misses us.So that love and the passion the Milan fans have shown me is something I can never forget. Its crazy because I didnt actually intend to say anything about going back to play at Milan - Im almost 40 years old! But Milan for sure will always hold a very special place in my heart. The songs, the tifos, the people, the derby, the stadium and everything else like that - it just means the world to me.This article was sponsored by sports betting.TOPICSArsenalMilanEd McCambridgeSocial Links NavigationStaff WriterEd is a staff writer at FourFourTwo, working across the magazine and website. A German speaker, hes been working as a football reporter in Berlin since 2015, predominantly covering the Bundesliga and Germany's national team. Favourite FFT features include an exclusive interview with Jude Bellingham following the youngsters move to Borussia Dortmund in 2020, a history of the Berlin Derby since the fall of the Wall and a celebration of Kevin Keegans playing career.
