Pulisic ‘grateful’ to Milan: A big ‘step’ from Chelsea | OneFootball

Christian Pulisic is ‘extremely grateful’ to Milan, so he wants to give ‘100% every single time’ he plays: ‘I had a good time at Chelsea, but to take the next step, I needed a big club that really wanted me.’

The USMNT international spoke about his life on and off the field in his latest interview with Lega Serie A.

Pulisic was Milan’s best scorer in 2024-25 with 17 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions.

It was his second season at San Siro, where he arrived in 2023 in a €20.8m move from Chelsea.

Pulisic opens up about Milan transfer

UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 11: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Udinese and AC Milan at Stadio Friuli on April 11, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“My move to Milan was very important for me. A big step in my career,” Pulisic said.

“Wearing the Milan shirt is amazing; the history of this club has had legendary players. It’s an honour every time I wear the Milan jersey.

“I had a good time in London, but to take the next step, I needed a big club that really wanted me and gave me the opportunity as soon as I came here. It was an amazing step in my career,” he continued.

“Serie A is really a great league. That’s crazy; you have a challenge every week, whether you play against a low block or man-to-man. It’s a really fun league to play in.

“This club has given me everything, so I’m extremely grateful. I just want to be remembered as someone who gives 100% every single time I step out onto that field.

“The environment is the most important thing. Everyone at Milan made me feel very welcome, everyone. The coaches, the staff, everyone on the board and the fans. The most important ones. How can I forget them? I think they gave me that support from the first game. Being at San Siro and scoring on my first game was an amazing start and gave me a lot of confidence going forward.”

Pulisic on life in Italy

epa11966731 AC Milan’s midfielder Christian Pulisic celebrates after scoring during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Como at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, 15 March 2025. EPA-EFE/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO

The American star is enjoying life in Italy, even off the pitch.

“I enjoy the passion for the game, for football. It is really crazy in this country, especially in Milan,” he said.

“Anywhere I go, someone either loves me or hates me because they’re Inter fans, it’s a pretty cool thing, really special.

“I’m very proud of where my family is from. My grandfather on the Croatian side and my grandmother has some Italian blood as well. I’m always very proud of that. I grew up my whole life in America, so I definitely feel the most American, but I’m always very proud to talk about it.

“I try to always do my best and represent my country. I don’t feel too much pressure from the American people that I need to be so much of a symbol. I always give my best, and I think that will be enough for people. I hope that I can inspire some kids back home who are watching.”

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – JUNE 08: Gio Reyna #7 and Christian Pulisic #10 of United States speak during the first half against Colombia at Commanders Field on June 08, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Pulisic also discussed his passion for the game and how he fell in love with the beautiful game.

“One of the reasons I started to love football is that, as a kid, after school, I’d go straight to the ground and play all day long,” he said.

“Giving kids the opportunity to do this might make them fall in love with the game and develop a passion, just like I did. Soccer is growing a lot in America. I want to be looked at as a leader, an example. It’s not just what I do with the national team, but what I do every single day, how I perform with my club. I hope those watching are inspired.”

Pulisic’s contract with Milan expires in 2027, but recent reports in Italy have suggested that the Rossoneri were ready to offer the 26-year-old a new deal to 2029.