The coach of the United States, Gregg Berhalter, has backed Christian Pulisic to make the most of the opportunity he has been given by AC Milan.
A statement on the official website last night confirmed that Milan have sealed the signing of the USA international on a deal running until June 2027, making him the fourth new addition of the summer window so far.
He arrives after a difficult last couple of seasons with Chelsea, but he joins a club where he could relaunch himself. The former Dortmund star can play virtually anywhere across the forward line including both wings and as a playmaker.
Berhalter spoke during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport and reacted to the news that the 24-year-old has decided to make the move to Milan.
“Pulisic is a star in America, but for Milan it’s not a simple question of the brand. Christian has a lot of quality and was taken by the Rossoneri above all for his usefulness, not only because he is an American footballer,” he began.
How is his transfer to Milan perceived in the United States?
“This is important news for us, a great opportunity for him and for the development of football here. He has chosen a great club with a rich tradition. He will play to win the championship and the Champions League, he is a strong player, he was born for this.”
What contribution will he make to the Rossoneri?
“He knows how to play multiple roles and it’s not a trivial matter. He can play without problems on both flanks, as an attacking midfielder and performs well as an attacking midfielder thanks to his creativity.
“He is also dynamic, he works a lot in the two phases and in terms of assists that can speak volumes about him.”
Serie A is a very tactical league. Could this be the right context to restart after a tough last year at Chelsea?
“He has worked with great managers and is an intelligent boy, he knows how to adapt to changes and new situations. He has been playing at high levels in Europe for years, it is not obvious to succeed.
“He is a leader, I hope that he will be happy with you too. In the dressing room he doesn’t speak much, but when he does, everyone stops to listen to him.”
Milan are also linked with Yunus Musah, another midfielder who you know well…
“An excellent boy. He is the classic box to box midfielder, he combines good dribbling with great speed.”
He is one of the many American footballers who has done well in Europe in recent years. How do you explain this growth?
“Leagues like La Liga and Serie A choose strong players and this is a great sign for the United States. Another example is Weah, who has just been signed by Juve.
“Playing in such important leagues, the boys can only grow and consequently raise the level of our football. In a few years we will host the World Cup together with Mexico and Canada, it will be another showcase to exploit.”
Berhalter is one of the worst managers in the history of international football. Absolutely horrendous. This isn’t even a hot take. The caretaker made that team look like a WC semifinalist before Berhalter was brought back.