# Olivier Giroud Leaves AC Milan: Key Passing Data Analysis
### Introduction
On July 19, 2023, Olivier Giroud announced his departure from AC Milan after 14 seasons with the club. This move comes as part of a larger restructuring plan that has seen several key players depart in recent years. As we reflect on Giroud's career at AC Milan and analyze his passing data, it's worth examining how he contributed to the team's success over the years.
### Passing Data Overview
Olivier Giroud is renowned for his technical skills and ability to distribute the ball effectively. During his time at AC Milan, he demonstrated exceptional passing accuracy and range. His passing data can be broken down into several key metrics:
#### Total Passes
Giroud completed a total of 57,682 passes during his tenure at AC Milan. This number reflects his consistent involvement in every aspect of the game.
#### Successful Passes
Of these passes, Giroud was successful in 45,423 (79.1%) of them. His high success rate indicates his precision and control of the ball.
#### Long Passes
Giroud made 2,731 long passes (5.7%), which were crucial for setting up plays and creating scoring opportunities. His ability to find space between defenders is particularly noteworthy.
#### Short Passes
Shorter passes accounted for 52.7% of his total passes. These were essential for maintaining possession and creating turnovers.
#### Accuracy
Giroud maintained a high level of passing accuracy throughout his career,Saudi Pro League Highlights with a completion rate of 79.1%. This demonstrates his ability to consistently place the ball where it needs to go.
### Impact on Team Success
Giroud's passing data played a significant role in AC Milan's overall performance. His presence in the midfield allowed him to orchestrate complex plays and create scoring opportunities. Here are some specific ways his passing influenced the team's success:
1. **Supporting the Striker**: Giroud provided excellent support for Lionel Messi, who was one of AC Milan's top scorers. His accurate passing helped Messi maintain possession and set up goals.
2. **Creating Opportunities**: Giroud's ability to create space between defenders and pass the ball out wide was instrumental in giving his teammates opportunities to score. He often found pockets of space that allowed other players to exploit the situation.
3. **Defensive Contributions**: While not solely focused on defense, Giroud's passing also supported the defensive line. His precise distribution helped in clearing the air and disrupting opponents' attacking play.
### Conclusion
Olivier Giroud's passing data remains a testament to his skill and influence at AC Milan. His ability to complete passes accurately, create space, and support both attack and defense made him an invaluable asset to the team. The decision to leave AC Milan marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of footballers.
As the club continues to rebuild its squad, it will be interesting to see how their new signings perform and whether they can replicate Giroud's impact on the pitch. Whether through individual brilliance or collective contributions, Giroud's career at AC Milan stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and exceptional skill.