Christian Pulisic is flourishing in Italy, rediscovering his greatest type since swapping Chelsea for Milan. The American star has emerged as a key attacking pressure for the Rossoneri, together with his profession seemingly revitalized after a troublesome spell in England.
In a current interview with Sports activities Illustrated, the 26-year-old mirrored on his journey throughout Europe’s prime leagues, the challenges of the Premier League’s intense strain, and the key function Zlatan Ibrahimovic has performed in his success at Milan.
Pulisic has already performed for 3 of Europe’s greatest golf equipment in three of the prime 5 leagues—Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga), Chelsea (Premier League), and now Milan (Serie A). “In some methods, I’ve modified a bit, grown up a bit as an individual, as a person, [figuring out] the trail I need to soak up my life. I don’t assume I’m that a lot completely different,” he mirrored.
Whereas he confirmed flashes of brilliance at Dortmund and Chelsea, nowhere has he hit prime type fairly like he has at Milan. The 2024-25 season has been significantly particular, with 21 mixed objectives and assists from 31 appearances, proving he’s now a significant determine within the Rossoneri’s assault.
Premier League’s strain and discovering freedom at Milan
Pulisic acknowledged the high-pressure surroundings of the Premier League, which formed his growth but in addition got here with challenges. “The Bundesliga actually taught me the right way to grow to be an expert simply because that was my first step. The Premier League was simply dealing an increasing number of with the strain that comes with, I feel, England and the Premier League,” he defined.
Nonetheless, his transfer to Milan has allowed him to play with extra confidence and freedom, a shift that has been essential to his resurgence. “Now with Milan, It’s been the right step for me [because] the membership put quite a lot of belief in me proper from the beginning and I had a extremely good begin. I feel it’s taught me much more [about] consistency and enjoying on the highest stage,” he added.
One of many greatest variations? The surroundings. Not like his time with the Blues, the place managerial modifications and staff instability affected his rhythm, Pulisic has discovered a supportive and trusting ambiance in Italy.
“I’m very free after I’m on the pitch now, and assured. I feel that’s the most effective issues that you could have as an attacking participant, particularly in soccer,” he stated. “All of the folks from prime to backside have actually given me that belief in addition to my teammates who make me really feel actually comfy and welcome.”
How Zlatan Ibrahimovic helped Pulisic
A serious affect on Pulisic’s transition to Milan has been Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who returned to the membership in December 2023 as a senior advisor. Pulisic’s reference to Ibrahimovic is especially symbolic, as he took over the legendary quantity 11 equipment when he moved to the San Siro.
Regardless of the Swede’s fame as an outspoken and imposing determine, Pulisic revealed that he has been a important mentor and supporter behind the scenes. “It’s been a very good relationship, I feel proper from the beginning. I feel he instructed me straight up what I can count on from the membership. … When you get to know him, he’s fairly easy,” the USMNT star stated.
“He’ll inform you precisely what he’s saying, what he’s pondering, which is vital for me. I feel via a few of the robust instances as effectively within the membership, he’s reached out to me … he cares lots concerning the gamers.”
“He asks, ‘How’s your head? How’s your head doing’ … as a result of he desires us to have the ability to arrive at coaching and have every thing centered on what’s occurring the pitch. And I feel he makes certain that he tells us if every thing is nice away from the pitch, that you just’re going to be good and every thing’s going to be advantageous.”