Christian Pulisic underlined his ‘hyper competitiveness’ ahead of Milan’s Derby della Madonnina with Inter and is confident that the Rossoneri ‘can win’ the Scudetto this season.
The 24-year-old American winger has started the season well with his new club since joining from Chelsea in a deal worth around €20m in the summer. He has scored two goals in his first three Serie A outings.
Milan have had an almost perfect start to the 2023-24 campaign, winning all three of their first games whilst conceding just two goals, looking strong following their impressive work in the summer transfer market.
Speaking on pages two and three of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Pulisic first discussed his happiness with Milan.
“For me it was love at first sight with Milan, especially when I saw the fans. I had never found passion like this. San Siro is an impressive and incredible stadium.”
He spoke about the upcoming Derby della Madonnina and if the Rossoneri were stronger than their intercity rivals.
“A derby is the perfect occasion to find out. They are a strong team and it’s difficult to play against them, as the Champions League final also showed.
“They know how to defend very well with a low block and at the same time they have the quality to score goals on the counter-attack.
“I dream of scoring goals or giving an assist, which is always nice. I want to play the derby and the Champions League, I can’t wait. I’m hyper competitive in everything.”
The 24-year-old commented on his and Milan’s desire to win the Scudetto this season.
“We are confident, we have strong players, good players have arrived, there is a great mix of talent. We can win, we just have to keep working and playing like this.
“We have made a great start, I know we will do the best we can and I want to win, which is always the most important thing in the end.”
Pulisic gave his thoughts on Rossoneri coach Stefano Pioli.
“He can be tough at times. He tells you his opinion harshly and I like that, that’s what I look for in a coach. I like him to say what he thinks.”
He touched on a conversation he had with Milan owner Gerry Cardinale.
“I only had one conversation with him, he told me he was thrilled to have me at Milan and it’s the same for me. So far in Italy it’s been a great experience.”
Finally, Pulisic opened up about his Milan teammates.
“Loftus-Cheek is very strong, I know him well. Reijnders has a great ability with the ball, he’s special. For me he is top, a top player. Leao is already one of the best players in the world, on that wing with him and Theo we are very strong.
“I have a lot of fun playing with them. I would love to go on holiday with Rafa. Giroud is the same as Chelsea in many things and in many senses. He impresses me because he always scores, he’s always in the right position. On the pitch we get on very well and then he’s a great person.
“The craziest? Adli, he amuses me. The quietest? Maybe Kalulu. The smartest on the pitch? Krunic. A footballer it would be nice to play with at least once? Messi, I’ve been watching him for ages…”