Giroud reveals why he celebrated with David Luiz

When Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud headed Chelsea in front against Liverpool on Sunday, the Frenchman turned and ran straight for the bench.

Climbing the steps, Giroud found teammate David Luiz and embraced him in a touching display of team unity.

The Brazilian centre-half had been dropped by manager Antonio Conte at the conclusion of the last calendar year, and the 31-year-old has subsequently made just four appearances in 2018.

With youngster Andreas Christensen being preferred by the manager, Giroud’s celebration made it clear the players still value their teammate.

Speaking to Sky Sports regarding the celebration, Giroud said:

David Luiz is a good friend, so I was very pleased to dedicate him this goal because he is going through a tough period and he is coming back.

In his post-match press conference, Conte was asked about the celebration and what he thought it meant:

For sure, tonight, I want to watch this celebration on TV, and I hope to see this celebration many times over the rest of the season.

I don’t know if there is a special relationship. They are team-mates.