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Christian Pulisic has provided an update on his injury, as well as lifting the lid on various aspects of his time at AC Milan so far.
There are always a lot of eyes on Pulisic, given that he is the most recognisable football player from the USA, and given that they are about to go into a home World Cup. The Milan forward will captain the side, hoping for a run deep into the tournament.
Before then, though, he must think about club football. The Rossoneri remain in a top four battle and also just about in the title race. Pulisic has missed games recently due to injury issues but should be back on Friday in Pisa, though head coach Massimiliano Allegri confirmed he won’t start.
Pulisic was interviewed exclusively by Access Hollywood, a popular American television program. They asked him a number of questions about life on and off the field, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
We’ve heard your Italian, it’s incredible. But is it true that when you arrived here in 2023 you didn’t know it at all?
“Yes, a couple of years ago I didn’t even know a word of Italian. I’m working on it. It’s not perfect yet, but I’m trying to immerse myself in the culture and learn the language. At first, I had no idea what they were telling me… (smiles) But that’s how it works, you learn as you go.”
Since I’m here for the Winter Olympics, is there an Italian phrase I should know?
“Well, you usually learn swear words right away (laughs). But I won’t teach them to you. Let’s try a nice ‘Buongiorno [Good morning]’ or a ‘Come stai? [How are you?]’. It’s a nice way to start.”
I saw the video Milan posted to celebrate the Olympics, very beautiful. But why is cappuccino “forbidden” after 11:00 AM?
“I can’t tell you why, you’d have to ask the Italians (laughs). It doesn’t make sense to me. I’m not a big coffee drinker, so it’s not a problem for me, but they really don’t like it when you add milk to their coffee after a certain time. There were a lot of Italian ‘traditions’ that I had to learn.”
Such as?
“Don’t cut spaghetti with a knife and everything will be fine.”
What do you do to make Italy feel at home?
“It’s not that I go out much, I stay at home a lot doing ‘American things’ like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and talking to my family, simple things like that that make me feel at home in a way.”
Now with Team USA here for the Olympics it’s like a piece of your home is here…
“It’s special, I love watching our amazing athletes compete. It’s fun.”
You’ve been at Milan since 2023, such an iconic club… What’s your favourite thing about it?
“Going to the stadium and seeing the fans. Winning at home, scoring, hearing them cheer, chanting your name, and supporting the team… There’s nothing like it. Nearly eighty thousand people screaming; being a part of it every week is special.”
The fans love you…
“They really love Milan, I appreciate that a lot.”
Your book will be released soon too…
“I’m at a point in my career, with the World Cup just around the corner, where I think it could be a great boost for football in our country. I want to inspire children by sharing my story to give them confidence and make them believe in themselves.”
What’s your superpower on the pitch?
“I think it’s believing in everything I do and trying to be the best. Of course, I can make mistakes, but I keep moving forward and always believe that all the work and commitment you put in will pay off.”
What’s your next dream, winning the World Cup?
“Why not? We have the World Cup in the USA, if only I’d thought about it as a kid… It’s a dream just to be there, live in the moment and do my best.”
You’re obviously the main face of the national team. How does that feel?
“I’ve been fortunate to do what I’ve done in my career, playing for fantastic clubs in Europe and representing the national team since I was 17. I’m grateful for the support I get.
“Having this recognition is great, but the really important thing is that I’ve loved playing football since I was a child and I still do. At the World Cup, I’ll enjoy the moment; I’ve worked for this and I’m grateful to be able to experience it.”
Soccer or football?
“(Laughs) If I hear an American accent I say soccer, but in Europe you have to be careful and obviously I say football.”
Did you imagine you would become so important for the national team?
“It’s incredible. I’ve been in Europe for 10 years, and every time I come home in the summer, it seems like the importance of this sport has grown. It’s special. If I can play even a small part in helping this growth in the US… It’s beautiful, I’m lucky.”
We saw you celebrate with a heart when your family is at the stadium…
“It’s a way to show my affection. If I score and see them, I’ll obviously do it, they’re people I love.”
How are you feeling?
“It’s going well, I feel much better. I’m close to being where I want to be pphysically]. I’m positive.”
During the World Cup you will also play against some of your team-mates here at Milan…
“It’s always fun when you play against your teammates. But when you’re on the pitch, it’s not that strange: it’s a battle and you don’t really care who you’re facing.”
What’s the atmosphere like in Milan with the Olympics? Does it motivate you ahead of the World Cup?
“You can feel the excitement. And watching Team USA motivates me a lot. Seeing what they’re doing in their respective sports makes me want to do even more when the World Championships come around this summer.”
English (US) ·