Christian Pulisic reflected on his history with football, his move to Milan and what the Rossoneri need to do in the second half of this season.
The 25-year-old American winger joined the Rossoneri from Chelsea in the summer in a deal worth around €20m, signing a four-year deal with the Italian club. He’s instantly made a strong impression, scoring seven goals and providing six assists across 26 total appearances.
Milan are gearing up for their second clash of the season with Udinese. In their first meeting back in November, the Friulian outfit edged out a 1-0 win at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, a match that came in the middle of the club’s poor vein of form.
Speaking to Serie A’s media department, Pulisic first discussed his history with football.
“Both my parents played the game, so I was a bit too young to remember to watch my dad playing professionally, I did go to some of his games in the US.
“I think my earliest memories are just down in my basement in my home in Pennsylvania, my dad being in goal, and I would just shoot at the wall – like it was the goal – and he would try to save it with mini-footballs.”
The American winger commented on his transfer to Milan last summer.
“It’s a historic, legendary club with many amazing players. Of course, you hear about the fans. So, I was expecting good things, but to be honest, I’ve really been blown away with the support from the fans, the club. I’m really enjoying my time here.”
The 25-year-old spoke about his debut goal for the Rossoneri.
“You know always remember those moments, your first goal at a new club. I was very excited to score and the first at San Siro was incredible. The passion of all the fans, to hear them yell your name, of course it’s a special feeling. “
He was asked about his goal in the 3-1 win over Frosinone, which was started by a Mike Maignan pass.
“We practice these runs in behind, even our goalkeeper, who obviously has incredible technique so he can play a long pass. If the wingers have time and space to make these runs in behind, he practices these passes all the time, and it worked out perfectly this time.”
Pulisic touched on how it feels to play with Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao.
“I know Olivier quiet well, I’ve played with him before. I’ve always enjoyed working with him. Rafael Leao too, you can see what he can do on the pitch, so it’s been a really fun experience for me.”
He spoke about life in the city of Milan.
“I’ve settled in here, I think Milan is a great city. I’m doing my best trying to learn the language, getting used to the culture, the food has been great, everything about Italy is super nice. It’s definitely an improvement in the weather, compared to where I’ve been before.”
Finally, Pulisic discussed Milan’s clash with Udinese and their mindset for the second half of this season.
“It’s very important for us, we dropped points against them last time. To still have a chance, we need to focus game by game, continue to win, that’s it.
“Going away, playing them, I’m sure its going to be even more difficult. Physically, we need to be ready. I think we’re going to have to put in a really strong performance.
“We have to put ourselves in a position in games against teams like Inter or Juventus, in that time we need to put ourselves where we’ll have a chance and keep it in our hands, and hopefully the opportunities to win those games.
“Right now, we have to focus game by game, each team by each team, trying to get all three points.”