Christian Pulisic has been one of the key players since he arrived at AC Milan and the American himself is very happy with his move. In a recent interview, he shared his thoughts on the first few months at the club.
Pulisic arrived from Chelsea for a fee of around €20m plus bonuses this summer, and after a poor 2022-23 season some considered it a gamble. The latter or not, it’s a signing that certainly has paid off for the Rossoneri.
The winger has scored four goals so far and they have all been very important. Speaking to today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below), Pulisic shared his thoughts on the first months at Milan, the support of Pioli and the goal against Genoa.
You arrive at the national team after the truly special match in Genoa, topped off with a great goal of yours. What emotions did that game give you?
“A truly crazy match. I had never seen a teammate go in goal to replace a sent-off goalkeeper. A bit of everything happened in those final minutes, but the match seemed to never end.”
Your teammate Yunus Musah said you were about to go in goal. It is true?
“Yes, I gave my availability, I told my teammates that I could go between the posts. Then Giroud also asked to go in goal and the goalkeeping coach, also considering his height, thought it was the best choice.”
Giroud didn’t do badly…
“I think I would have gotten away with it if it had been me, but it was better this way, in the end Olivier was extraordinary.”
How did you experience the very long VAR break after your goal?
“Those situations are always unnerving, then after a while you start to be pessimistic and think that a negative decision will follow. This time it went well. In my opinion, however, it was the right decision.
“I controlled the ball with my chest and it slipped into my armpit, but I didn’t hit it with my arm. According to the rules, it’s not a foul. When I scored I didn’t even think there could be any problems, in the end, it was right to allow the goal.”
You immediately made a great impact at the start of the season. How are you finding your first months in the Rossoneri shirt?
“Really great, I’m really happy. I’m starting to get to know Italian culture and it’s all very nice, and the fans are extraordinary. They immediately made me feel at home, their support is fundamental and it’s giving me a lot.”
Which teammates helped you the most in your transition to Italian football?
“A bit of everyone but in particular, I have to thank players like Tomori and Giroud, guys I already knew from Chelsea, who gave me the right advice to best immerse myself in this new reality.”
And Musah?
“I’m lucky to have a national teammate like Yunus on my team. To tell the truth, with Team USA we rarely see each other, so it was nice to have the chance to establish a great friendship off the pitch.”
What impression has Pioli made on you?
“Beautiful. He’s an excellent coach, as well as being a person of great depth. He encourages you to give your best without cutting you any slack, but he’s also ready to energise you and help you when you do make mistakes. I feel the confidence from him and that’s something fantastic for a player. I’m really happy to have him as a coach.”
Milan will take on Juventus after the international break and Pulisic is expected to play from start, although Samuel Chukwueze’s chances probably are still alive. In case he doesn’t start, it will be for the mid-week clash against PSG three days after.
