AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud says he is “more motivated than ever” at 36 as he bids for a second Champions League title.
He left Les Bleus that summer to join Milan, who will face city rivals Inter on Wednesday in the semi-final first leg.
“I am [nearly] 37 years old, but I have the same motivations as a young boy,” said the French striker.
“I’m more motivated than ever. It’s a great opportunity to win the Champions League.
“A derby is always a special game. I’m very proud of this Milan team and we hope to do something big tomorrow.”
AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has said he will make a late appeal for the selection of Rafael Leao after the Portuguese winger suffered a muscle injury against Lazio at the weekend.
Leao, who has 13 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, was sent off after just 12 minutes but was able to return to training on Tuesday.
“In the morning Rafa and the doctor will tell me his condition. If he is fine he will be called, if not not,” Pioli said.
“If the test is clean, it can play. If it’s not clean, it can’t play – neither from the beginning nor from the end.”
Inter Milan are hoping Danilo D’Ambrosio will be available for the game at the San Siro while full-back Robin Gosens will be assessed.
The two Italian giants, who have won 10 Champions League titles between them, have met twice in the Champions League round of 16, with Milan winning them both in 2003 and 2005.
“We will have to be very good at using our heads when we need them because there are always unexpected events in such important matches,” said Inter coach Simone Inzaghi.
“We know what this means for us, for the club, for the fans, even for me. But I’m quite calm, I saw the boys very focused.”
