When Olivier Giroud left Chelsea last summer he can't have imagined the changes that would happen in the aftermath. What hasn't happened?
There was the £97.5million effective replacement of the Frenchman, that went wrong, the brief but faulty title charge, the rapid sale of the club amid government sanctions and war accusations, new owners have come in and stripped the club's structure back to basics and now Thomas Tuchel isn't their either.
A lot of Giroud's teammates remain, but some have moved on after a summer of change with over £250million spent on new players. The 36-year-old saw plenty of upheaval in his time at Stamford Bridge, but it fell short of this summer's overhaul.
READ MORE: Potter handed triple boost, Bruno involvement: Things spotted in Chelsea training ahead of Milan
Ultimately there is little doubting that he was anything but a success in his time at SW6. He scored 39 times in blue, largely as a bit-part player but provided some brilliant moments and, for £15million, was a bargain.
When he returns to Stamford Bridge as an Italian champion there will be nothing but good faith given to him from Chelsea fans. They can't promise to give him a standing ovation and clap him off if he scores a last minute winner like the one Conor Gallagher got from Crystal Palace, but a nice reception is in order.
Giroud played through Tuchel's first half a season in London, the most successful period of his tenure, and knows the group well. But with Graham Potter in charge there is an element of unknown for the striker. He admitted that any advantage and insight he had may not be that valuable anymore.
"I know the boys, I played there with so many of them," Giroud said. "But as the coach said, they changed the manager so I don’t really know how they are going to play. I could have helped him more if it was Tuchel! Because I know how he’s doing tactically.
"They [Chelsea] are in a new project and I think it’s just a matter of time to get back to their best level. So I think I’m not worried about that; they will do well in the Premier League."
Potter has little room for error and the time for pleasantries will come after the game. His Chelsea team know that anything short of four points from their Milan double header will leave them struggling to progress from the group, making a win at Stamford Bridge almost paramount, such is the fortress that San Siro has become.
Giroud, who was a big game player at Chelsea and has continued that over to Italy, will also be aware of the expectations at Stamford Bridge, a fact which may play into his side's hands. However, the Frenchman, a cult hero at the club, will find it tough to dampen any existing relationships with Chelsea, even if both parties are on opposite sides once more.
READ NEXT:
Predicted Chelsea team vs AC Milan – Mendy decision taken, Cucurella returns in defence
Every word Graham Potter said on Chelsea vs AC Milan, Nkunku, Ronaldo, Leao, Mendy, Kante, more
Olivier Giroud makes Chelsea vs AC Milan prediction as the Graham Potter effect explained
Kai Havertz issue, Edouard Mendy decision: Graham Potter's Chelsea XI vs AC Milan
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
