Of all the summer signings that AC Milan made, Christian Pulisic was among the additions that attracted the most attention because of his past and his desire to get back to the top.
This article will explore the remarkable journey of Christian Pulisic, from his humble beginnings in Hershey, Pennsylvania, to his recent success at AC Milan, as well as his contribution to the U.S. National Team.
Family roots in football – the beginning in Hershey
Christian’s foray into football was inevitable, given his lineage. Born to two ardent footballers, the love for the sport runs in his blood. He imbibed the basic nuances of the game in his hometown of Hershey, Pennsylvania. When a chance arose to live in England, the then seven-year-old Pulisic seized it, representing Brackley Town.
“A lot of people don’t realise but it really brought on my passion for the game,” Pulisic told The Daily Mail. “I just started to love it so much and I said: ‘Wow. I’m pretty good! I think I can do something with this game.’”
Finding his feet in the USA
After his stint in England, Pulisic returned home and continued his footballing journey with Michigan Rush and PA Classics. These longer spells in the States only fortified his adoration for the sport and set him on the path to chase bigger dreams.
“As a result of my dual citizenship, I’ve been able to play in Europe, training at the Dortmund academy, since I was 16,” Pulisic explained in a piece for The Players’ Tribune in November 2017.
“Without it, I would have had to wait until I was 18. And for a soccer player, those years are everything. From a developmental perspective, it’s almost like this sweet spot, where a player’s growth and skill sort of intersect, in just the right way – where a player can make their biggest leap in development by far.”
The Bundesliga adventure – making marks in Dortmund
The year of 2015 marked a significant milestone as Pulisic made the audacious move to Europe, signing for Borussia Dortmund. Thanks to his Croatian grandfather, he managed to secure an EU passport, making this transition smoother.
Dortmund quickly recognized his prowess. By January 2016, the then 17-year-old winger made his Bundesliga debut in a match against Ingolstadt, further marking his presence in a UEFA Europa League match against Porto.
Setting records in Germany
Pulisic’s trajectory was nothing short of meteoric. He made headlines when he scored in a match against Hamburg. Aged just 17 years and 212 days, he etched his name in history books as the youngest foreign-born goalscorer in Bundesliga.
Milan’s new shining star – surpassing Chelsea’s best
Moving to Milan proved to be a turning point in Pulisic’s career. He not only found the back of the net in Milan’s recent 2-0 victory over Lazio but also surpassed every Chelsea player in the scoring charts this season, with three goals to his name.
“We pushed hard, in the second half we were more aggressive and managed to win, Pulisic reflected on his strong start at AC Milan,” he said.
“I’m having fun and things are improving from game to game. I don’t have a target in terms of goals, but I will try to score many important ones like today’s.
“We have a good chance of winning the Scudetto, but we have to think game by game starting from the match against Genoa.”
Tracking pulisic’s Milan journey
At 25, Christian Pulisic has a glittering career ahead. As mentioned before, he hails from Hershey, PA and is one of very few Americans ever to crack the top ranks of international soccer. The new ESPN Bet Pennsylvania sportsbook is a great place to follow his progress at AC Milan.
Chelsea’s loss, Milan’s gain
Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Pulisic for a hefty €22m after four seasons might be rued by many fans. During his tenure at Stamford Bridge, Pulisic was instrumental in netting 26 goals and providing 21 assists in 145 games.
American influence in Milan
It’s not just Pulisic who is stealing the limelight. Yunus Musah, another American talent, showcased his skills by almost assisting Olivier Giroud, setting up a chance for him following Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s injury.
Formidable trio – gelling with Leao and Giroud
Stefano Pioli, Milan’s head coach, seemingly has a favorite attacking trio: Pulisic, Leao, and Giroud. Together, they have been the force behind Milan’s dominant performance, responsible for 10 out of 14 goals in the initial seven games.
The USMNT perspective
For the U.S. Men’s National Team, Pulisic’s form is a boon. As the national team preps for upcoming friendlies, a fit and firing Pulisic is what every U.S. soccer fan yearns for.
From Pennsylvania to potential Milan icon
In tracing Christian Pulisic’s remarkable journey, it becomes clear that he is not just another footballer; he’s an emblem of hope and inspiration.
From the grassy fields of Hershey, Pennsylvania to the grand stadiums of Europe, his story is a testament to sheer talent, unwavering dedication, and the pursuit of dreams.
Milan’s faith in him is being repaid with each match, and with Pulisic’s current form, it appears the best chapters of his story are yet to be penned.
His significance is felt not just in Milan or the U.S. but across the footballing world. Each goal, each dribble, and every assist adds to his growing legacy.
While the footballing fraternity eagerly watches, fans back home in Pennsylvania can track his every move, intertwining the worlds of sport and gaming in a modern embrace.
With the blend of a coach’s trust, a team’s reliance, and a nation’s hope resting on his shoulders, the future is rife with promises for Pulisic.
As he continues to carve his name into the annals of football history, one thing remains clear: Christian Pulisic is not just on a quest to become an AC Milan icon, but a global football legend.
His dedication, talent, and work ethic have set him apart from his contemporaries. Often compared to other greats, Pulisic’s unique style of play, agility on the ball, and vision on the pitch make him a force to be reckoned with.
As he continues to break records and set new standards, the world watches with bated breath, anticipating his next move. The young American’s journey in the beautiful game is just beginning, and his potential seems limitless.
