AC Milan star Christian Pulisic has spoken today about life in Milano and the difficult season for AC Milan.
Despite his team falling below the levels expected of them, Pulisic was often the man to make Milan a little bit better. It did not happen week in week out, after all, the weight of the Rossoneri cannot rest solely on one pair of shoulders.
However, the American has regularly taken that weight on, and ended the season with another phenomenal record.
The interview
There have been several rumours about the American’s future, largely with him failing to sign an extension yet. Instead of the Diavolo taking a step back, like they did with Maignan, it was the American.
Of course, this has brought a bit of worry to things, especially with a number of stars on their way out. However, the winger seems to love life in Milano, as he has regularly stated, and he reaffirmed as much today, when speaking to Serie A’s YouTube channel, as Milan News relays.
What is life like in Italy?
“For me, it’s very relaxing. I think Italians love to enjoy life. Everything… Whether it’s food, whether it’s… I don’t know how to explain it. Just having fun and enjoying life. That’s what I like about people here, and also the passion for the game, for football, in this country is really crazy. Especially in Milan.”
Any special moments?
“Yes, there have been many special moments. For example, when some of my best friends from my hometown come to visit me and I can see them and show them my new home [San Siro].”
How is your relationship with the fans in the city?
“Everywhere I go, there are people who love me or hate me because they are Inter fans. So it’s a pretty nice thing, really special.”
What’s it like to score at San Siro?
“It’s the best part.”
You also have European roots, right?
“I’m very proud of my family roots, with the Croatian side from my grandfather and grandmother, with a little bit of Italian blood. I’ve always been proud of that. I grew up all my life in America, so I definitely feel very American, but I’m always very proud to talk about it.”
How do you feel about being an idol to the American public?
“I just try to always do my best. I try to represent my country. I don’t feel too much pressure from the Americans; I don’t feel like I have to be that much of a symbol. I just always give my best, I think that will be enough for the people. And hopefully I can inspire some kids at home watching.”
What kind of role model do you want to be?
“One of the reasons I started loving soccer and becoming a good player is that after school, I would go straight to the field and play all day. When you give kids that opportunity to do that, maybe they will fall in love with the game and develop a passion for it like I did. So soccer is growing a lot in America.
“I want to be seen as a leader, a role model. It’s not just what I do with the national team, but what I do every day and how I conduct myself with my club. People look at it, and I hope they say, ‘You know what? Look at this guy. He’s on point, he’s playing well.’ I hope people see that and get inspired.
“Even other national team players, when I see them playing well in Europe, it inspires me to push myself even further. Also for the kids at home who are watching, growing up and looking to me for inspiration.”
Tell us about the “Pulisic Stomping Grounds”?
“The ‘Pulisic Stomping Grounds’ was also born working with Puma to give children an opportunity, to those who maybe don’t have a structure or a field to play, or any kind of coach or support. And now we hope to be able to offer this to allow them to simply play.”
The importance of training…
“The environment is the most important thing. That’s where I spend most of my time, at the training camp. That’s where you have to improve: learn about the game, learn about your opponents. Try to become the best version of yourself every single day.”
How were you welcomed in Milan?
“Everyone in Milan made me feel very welcome. Everyone: the coaches, the staff, the management, the fans, who are the most important thing. How could I forget them? I think from the first game they gave me that support, and I have the opportunity to play at San Siro… Scoring in my first game was an incredible start that gave me a lot of confidence for the future.”
Do you like reading?
“I always read a book before going to sleep. I just finished reading the Harry Potter series. It was a lot of hard work. I had to dedicate a lot of time to reading these books, but I really enjoyed them.”
What is your relationship with football?
“Football is a fundamental part of my life, it’s a game that I love. Sometimes it can put you under pressure, sometimes it can make you feel like the happiest person in the world. But it’s part of my life and I think it will always be like that.”
What is Pulisic like as a non-player?
“Very simple. I like to relax and stay at home. I have hobbies, of course. I love playing chess; I play it every day. I think I’m the best pool player in the world. Usually I’m terrible.”
How did you experience this season?
“This season, too, we experienced great moments like winning the Super Cup, but also very difficult moments. I think it’s important to take a break from football and make sure you still have a personal life and keep your head on straight.
“Then you just have to continue to give your best every day. There will always be ups and downs in my career, as in everyone’s career. Not everything will be perfect. So you just have to stay calm, never get too excited and never get too down.”
The importance of knowing how to switch off…
“I do everything I can and work hard when it’s time to focus on football and my job. But as soon as I get home, it’s easy for me to leave everything aside and focus on my family and friends: that’s the most important thing when I’m at home.”
What is your family’s relationship with football?
“My family has been very important in my football career, obviously. Both my parents played football. My father has always supported me and was my coach when I was little. He took me to all the games, he always gave me advice.
“They know me very well, they made me fall in love with football: we always played football as a family at home and in the garden.”
What is important to you as a footballer?
“For me, as a player, one of the most important things is to feel good and comfortable, feeling the trust of the coach, teammates, fans and everyone. If that happens, you will play with maximum confidence when you step out on the pitch knowing you are the best version of yourself.”
How do you see your move to Italy now?
“My move to Milan was very important for me. A big step in my career. Wearing the Milan shirt is incredible. Obviously, for the history of this club. There have been legendary players, legendary teams. So it’s really an honor for me every time I can wear the Milan shirt.”
How was your time in London?
“I had a good time in London but to take the next step I had to find a big club that really wanted me and that gave me the opportunity right away when I arrived. It was really an incredible step in my career.”
What do you think about Serie A?
“Serie A is a great league. Crazy, you have a great challenge every week, whether you play against a low block or man-to-man. It’s a really fun way to play.”
How is your relationship with the Milan fans?
“It’s hard for the fans to really know the players. No one will really know my character off the pitch but you know, my intention is for them to see what I give on the pitch and how I play with my heart every time I step out onto the pitch and give my all and fight for their colours.
“I hope people understand that because this club has given me everything, and I’m extremely grateful for that. I just want to be remembered as someone who gave 100% every single time he stepped out onto the pitch.”
What advice do you have for young people?
“Get out of your comfort zone if you really want to move up. You have to do things that a lot of people aren’t willing to do. If you really want to get to the top, you have to work harder than everyone else.”
All the big boys have seen Milan management has no ambition and can’t achieve their goals with this management in charge reason they all want to leave.
Imagine the statement “leaving for a big club” now our beloved Milan is small mid table club.
With the sales and dispature of quality big players in the squad. No big name players will want to come here knowing he will be in the midst of garbage and overwork his life out for the team.
And to those who want overall change of the team and start a fresh with hunger young players. Please don’t complain and cry if result is not coming from these unestablished players you requested for.
What a shame.
You obviously just read the caption and then decided to make a comment
Consummate professional and a class act, Pulisic is.
He can’t comprehend well💔
Pointless PR stunt amid speculation that He is unhappy with the project …
He’s improved almost linearly every year over time. Not spectacularly, but a step at a time. What I’d like to see him bring to the table next season is more aggression in taking players on. One of his strengths is that he tends to make fewer mistakes than other players. While Leao and Chukwueze were constantly losing the ball, you could count on Pulisic to maintain possession. However, the downside to this is that he too quickly dishes the ball off to others rather than making a mistake by taking players on. If he would take players on a bit more it would open up the offense a bit more. While others need to make fewer mistakes and have more control, he needs to take more risks and perhaps make more mistakes in the process
The man is all round terrific player and character. Certainly a credit to the Americans. Just a shame Mr Cardinale doesn’t share the same credibility. The vibes I get is that he is unhappy, possibly with many others. For me, ACM sits in same situation as Man Utd at this time.
CP has not yet hit his ceiling. Every off-season he works to improve at least one aspect of his game. The unforced errors made one season seem to disappear the next season. CP took the summer off from USA national team to rest and condition his body for the upcoming AC season. I agree he needs to take more 1 v 1 and believe that with improved upper body strength he will. While he was vocal about his performances throughout the year (speaking Italian) I hope he is more vocal about the team’s play (behind doors). Make him the team captain and watch the team morph into a functioning unit leaving the malcontents isolated. He is not an Italian, but the blood of Milan runs through his veins and his goal is the same as the fans: Seria A champions and European Club champions. Cannot think of a better role model for the team.
Along with his technical skill, he’s focused, and he understands he’s well paid and has a responsibility to produce.