Giovanni Reyna has revealed a bit of insight into what Christian Pulisic is like as a character, and responded to the Premier League links.
Simply put, Pulisic has been Milan’s best and most consistent player since his arrival in the 2023 summer transfer window. His 42 goals and 25 assists in 116 games for the Rossoneri across all competitions makes the €20m fee paid to Chelsea seem like a bargain.
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
The USA international is in a battle for the Capocannoniere with Lautaro Martinez this season, just as Milan appear to be in a Scudetto race with Inter and Napoli. Pulisic is on eight goals in Serie A so far in 2025-26, while the Nerazzurri captain has edged ahead on 10, but has played a lot more minutes.
Journalist Alessandro Schiavone interviewed Reyna after a Borussia Mönchengladbach game about his compatriot and international team-mate Pulisic, and it was published on MilanNews.
What makes Pulisic so special?
“I’ve known Christian for many years now. Over the years, we’ve built a great relationship on and off the pitch. It’s great to see him changing the balance at Milan. He’s an inspiration to so many kids in America and, above all, to future generations.
“There’s not much to say: we’re talking about an extraordinary player, but at the same time, a very simple guy. He’s truly fantastic. I’m happy he’s doing well in Milan.
“We’re both still very young, and I can’t wait to continue growing alongside him as a footballer. I’m sure we’ll have wonderful times together in the national team and, above all, at the World Cup.”
Doesn’t the way he operates between the lines and creates a link between midfield and the attacking line remind you a little of your dad Claudio?
“(Laughs) I haven’t seen my father play enough to be able to compare the two. But I think we’re talking about different players. Christian is more of an attacker compared to my father, who was more of a midfielder.
“Christian’s real strengths are dribbling, assists, runs into the penalty area, and the timing with which he gets into the goal and scores. My father was more of a No. 8 or No. 6.”
But your father did score a few goals. 36, to be precise…
“Dad and I never played together, but I’m lucky enough to play with Christian. He’s a top player and a good guy. I’m lucky.”
The Milan striker seems like a very reserved person and perhaps a little shy…
“I wouldn’t call him shy, but he’s reserved. He’s someone who prefers to listen rather than talk. He’s a calm and sophisticated guy, which I appreciate. Wherever he goes, he exudes positive energy.
“He’s an absolute asset to the US national soccer team. He’s a leader who inspires by example rather than words.”
In his place, would you go to Manchester United or stay at Milan?
“I’m sure he’ll make the best decision for himself. It’s none of my business.”
It’s a nice problem to have though…
“Definitely! I wasn’t aware of this interest, but I’m convinced he’ll do the right thing. He’s flying at Milan, though. I just hope he continues to play well and arrives in top condition for the World Cup, because we’ll need him.”
Did Gio Reyna just say he would be playing in the World Cup? The guy has started 4 games in 3 years.
He’ll get called up for the March friendlies. It’s possible that he could make the team, but the odds are against him.
Gio is one of those guys who just shines at the national team level while not doing so well at the club level, mainly because of injuries.
After getting off to a flying start at BvD, he’s been beset by injuries in the last three years and just got sold to Mönchengladbach, where he sat on the bench for most of this season. More recently, he’s been getting more minutes
In terms of talent, when he has been fully healthy, he is easily one of the most talented American players out there.
Berhalter’s decision to not play him in the 2022 World Cup when he was actually fully healthy is still considered by American fans to be one of Berhalter’s worst decisions. That and filling the team with MLS players, most of whom never played, and not bringing Ricardo Pepi after Pepi had helped save Berhalter’s job during the qualifiers.
Ridiculous interview. Interviewer trying to get Gio to compare his father to Pulisic, and Gio just doesn’t even listen.
If we’re going to compare Puli to past American forwards, the most interesting comparisons would be Wynalda, Donovan, and Dempsey.
Dempsey being the only of those Americans you listed to play at a high level in Europe.
Pulisic is by far the best American forward to ever play the game.
Dempsey and Wynalda were pretty good, and had great fighting spirit and determination, but in terms of sheer skill, ball control, and scoring ability, are no where close.
Donovan is easily the most overrated player ever in American soccer history. A total head case (he finally came out and admitted he had a history of chronic depression) who didn’t always show up, and went back to hide in MLS because he couldn’t stand the rigors of playing in Europe (and no, playing for Everton for 3 months on a short loan doesn’t count).