The flying winger had a reduced role at Chelsea as he fell down the pecking order last year but the early signs are positive that the man supporters call “Captain America” is settling in Italy
Following his summer transfer to Serie A, Christian Pulisic appears to be gradually putting his Chelsea nightmare behind him as he adjusts to life with his new team.
In his final season at Stamford Bridge, the USMNT talisman had a forgettable season, playing a total of only 813 minutes as the Blues finished in a dismal 13th place in the Premier League. With the speedy winger’s contract in West London entering its final year, new manager Mauricio Pochettino decided it was time to part ways with him, with a transfer to San Siro on the horizon.Christian Pulisic sends Chelsea an immediate message once the influence of AC Milan was made clear.
The 24-year-old had played for the two-time European winners for four seasons but had slipped behind newcomers Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku, and under Thomas Tuchel and Frank Lampard last season, he had almost been forgotten about. Last year’s Champions League semifinalist AC Milan ultimately prevailed in the bidding for his signature by paying £17 million ($22 million).
After a rocky time at Chelsea, the man supporters once dubbed “Captain America” detailed his motivations for starting over on the continent in Italy, saying: “The main reason that prompted me to come here is to be able to restart and reach the top level.”
With two assists in a friendly win over Lumezzane at Milanello, the former Borussia Dortmund player may be happy with the bright start to his Rossoneri career. It was the perfect beginning for him as he seeks to demonstrate to Chelsea his abilities and what they could be missing if he were to leave.
His first goal-scoring involvement in the 6-0 thrashing of the lower league team came through a pull-back for Tommaso Pobega after a typical drive into the box. Then, Pulisic provided another assist for his new Milan partner by receiving a speculative forward punt and turning it into an opportunity for Pobega, who scored from close range.
The 60-time international, who spent a season at Stamford Bridge in the background, could not have asked for a better unofficial debut. After Chelsea’s audacious request to let him leave, a strong season might be in store for him in Italy.
He said that he intended to live up to his reputation after inheriting the shirt left vacant by recently retired legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic and that he was excited about the prospect of a new challenge. “I can’t wait to find out what my best position is,” he exclaimed. In the offensive zone, I want to support the group.
