After Chelsea, Pulisic came to AC Milan and his roots in Italy

Christian Pulisic join AC Milan still challenged about him Chelsea record and deeply disappointed by the lack of faith and opportunities presented to him at Stamford Bridge, but ambitious and committed to winning Series A and championship with Rossoneri.

In an exclusive interview with ESPN at Casa Milan, the club’s majestic headquarters, Pulisic, asked if he should be given a fairer, more regular chance to prove himself, He said: “Of course, there are certainly times when I wish I could have had more of a chance and be ‘that guy’, but that’s not it. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved. at Chelsea, winning big cup finals, getting to play and help my team, the Champions League, the Super Cup, all of it.

“I believe I had great moments at Chelsea. I learned a lot as a player and I have matured a lot, but now I am completely ready for the great challenge. this at AC Milan.

“I remember playing here at the San Siro in the Champions League (Chelsea’s 2-0 win in October) and I couldn’t believe what I saw before the game started as the fans just chanting and shouting The atmosphere was absolutely vibrant I’ve never experienced anything like it I think AC Milan, playing at the San Siro, might be the best place in the world to have a game. big fight.

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“Now, I’m super excited to be at the home end of that great support and be a part of all of this. The Milanista fans were so impressed, it was unbelievable. Everyone Every place I go there seems to be fans waiting out there; it just shows you the passion and culture of this city and what this club means to them. They definitely went’ above all excellent’ so far.”

The Rossoneri, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, has won 18 FIFA and UEFA titles, more than any other Italian club. Only one Real Madrid have won more Champions Leagues than Milan.

Pulisic, 24, will become the first American-born man to start for this historic club, which reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season and were champions of Italy last season. However, his stance is that the immediate future opportunities are worth far more than making history because of his unique status. He also understands well that working in the super-tactical Serie A will directly benefit the quality and maturity of his performances for United States men’s national team.

Pulisic, player of the tournament when USMNT won the Concacaf Nations League by beating Mexico 3-0 and Canada 2-0 in June, told ESPN: “I’m proud to be an AC Milan player, it doesn’t matter where I come from or be unique. This club has won trophies throughout history. and while I obviously want to represent my country and be the first to come here from America and make a big impact [Oguchi Onyewu came on for a 30-minute cameo in his single Milan appearance, and Netherlands-born Sergino Dest played intermittently on loan last season]The important fact is that I am here to help AC Milan continue to win titles.

“For the USA team, this experience is just a huge opportunity for me to learn and grow as a soccer player. Playing in a new league is a challenge that will challenge me.

“When those big international moments come, starting next summer Copa America, I will have more combat experience. I see winning my place and doing well for AC Milan as a great opportunity for me to really advance and reach new heights as a player.”

After brief vacations in Palm Beach, life has become a whirlwind for the Hershey, Pennsylvania-born player. There will be a first training session with (mostly) new teammates led by a coach eager to see his new signing in action. Then the tour in America, against Real Madrid, Juventus And Barcelona in Los Angeles; Pasadena, California; and Las Vegas. Even the first Milan derby is just nine weeks away.

Fortunately, there are plenty of reasons for him to settle down quickly. The closest of them was his much-loved grandmother, Johanna DiStefano.

A woman in Brooklyn, whom young Pulisic loved so much, she considered herself a proud Italian.

“Yes, I think my grandmother would certainly be proudest to see me do this – sign for the greatest club in Italy – so it’s a great feeling,” Pulisic said. “I’m really honored to be here to play for a historic club like this and to play in Italy. She’s definitely looking down on me right now and feels proud.”

When Pulisic was in Borussia Dortmund and his grandfather’s Croatian heritage became a central theme, DiStefano adamantly begged his talented grandson to exaggerate his Italian descent.

“Oh yes, she lets everyone know that she is Italian – in fact she is Sicilian,” Pulisic said. “That’s why she’s famous. She definitely cooked us some unbelievable Italian food. I miss those meals, so she’s an important part of my life. , and yes, we miss her too.My dad, her son, had an Italian flag tattooed on his arm, so I guess it’s funny how things turned out. Now, Italy is an important part of my life.”

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Pulisic expresses pride in his Italian roots after moving to AC Milan

Christian Pulisic shares how his grandmother will be proud of him after signing for AC Milan.

There are more realistic route maps to the new Milan star, who was surrounded by fans waiting at Malpensa airport when he boarded his plane, quickly mingling.

He speaks Spanish pretty well, a clear interpretive guide to understand more Italian while he learns the new language. He also loved the extended briefing that Milan coach Stefano Pioli gave him long before the contract was signed.

Additionally, he knows – and has been in contact with – several people on the Rossoneri team. Pulisic shares a Stamford Bridge dressing room with Olivier Giroud, Fikayo Tomori And Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Pioli, the coach who brought Milan their first league title since 2011 in 2022, not only spoke briefly to Pulisic about his potential role in the team but also convinced him to sign.

“The coach really made me feel like he wanted me here… that he wanted me to be part of this team and the way he saw me fit in,” Pulisic said of Pioli. “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. Obviously I just want to have a fair chance like everyone else, of course I still need to get my place, but I feel like I’ve really been given the prize. When I show good effort, good attitude every day and practice well, I will have a chance to go out and perform.

“Coach Pioli explained to me the reason they wanted me on the pitch was because I’m a very direct and creative player. That’s what they particularly wanted.”

He also has no shortage of encouragement from his new teammates.

“I spoke to all the former Chelsea players,” Pulisic said. “Clear [Giroud] and I had a great relationship at our last club and some great times together. We scored a lot of goals together and he definitely convinced me to come here.

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Pulisic takes a tour through Milan’s iconic history

Graham Hunter takes Christian Pulisic for a walk through the title-filled history of his new club.

“He told me exactly about the size of a club and that AC Milan is where I can really thrive as a player. But I spoke to him. [Tomori], [Loftus-Cheek], all those guys. I’ve only heard good things so I’m really excited to start here, and it’s been a pleasure to meet some familiar faces.”

The last time ESPN spoke to Pulisicit was in London, not long after his influence and interest World Cup efficiency. He spoke passionately about his faith, the belief that there was a predetermined path to his life, and about his ability to rise to the challenge.

Now, arguably, there is still a greater sense of destiny.

“I’m still very confident in the path I’m on. I know [God] always watching over me, and while there have been many difficult times in my career, I would not be where I am today without him. So I just trust. I believe it all happens for a reason and there is definitely a plan for me.”

The next part of the plan begins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on July 23 against mighty Real Madrid. Bring it in.