The former Chelsea player who is with the United States national team: “I didn’t touch the ball with my arm against Genoa. Fantastic fans; I’m really happy here.”
Wearing the national team jersey is always something special for ‘Captain America‘. Arriving at the camp of a team ready to take the next step after a truly convincing start of the season with his club is the icing on the cake for Christian Pulisic.
His numbers with AC Milan this season are amazing: 4 goals, 1 assist, and numerous chances created on the wing. And he doesn’t stop there, in the yesterday’s match against Germany he scored another screamer, although his team lost 3-1.
But before this match was even played, Pulisic had some interesting things to tell about Milan and his life in the Serie A:
You arrive at the international break after a truly unique match in Genoa, crowned by your beautiful goal. What emotions did that game give you?
“It was a truly a crazy match. I had never seen a teammate go in as a substitute goalkeeper when our goalkeeper was sent off. Everything was happening in those final minutes, and it seemed like the game would never end.”
Your teammate Yunus Musah said you were about to go in as the goalkeeper. Is that true?
“Yes, I offered to go in between the posts. I told my teammates that I could be the one to do it. Then, Giroud also asked to go in as the goalkeeper, and considering his physique, the goalkeeper coach thought it was the better choice.”
Giroud did a great job, didn’t he?
“I think I would have managed to do a good job too, but in the end, it was better this way, Oliver was extraordinary.”
How did you experience the long VAR review after your goal?
“Those situations are always nerve-wracking. After a while, you start to be pessimistic and think that it will end badly. This time it went well. In my opinion, it was the right decision. I controlled the ball with my chest, and it slipped onto my armpit, but I didn’t touch it with my arm. When I scored, I didn’t even think there could be problems. In the end, it was right to validate the goal.”
You’ve had a significant impact in the early part of this season. How are you finding your first few months in the red and black jersey?
“Really great, I’m genuinely happy. I’m starting to get to know Italian culture, and it’s all very beautiful, plus the fans are amazing. They immediately made me feel at home, and their support is crucial and means a lot to me.”
Which teammates have helped you the most in transitioning to Italian football?
“A bit of everyone, but I must thank players like Tomori and Giroud, guys I already knew from our time at Chelsea. They’ve given me the right advice to adapt as well as possible to this new environment.”
And Musah?
“I’m fortunate to have a national team colleague like Yunus on the team. To be honest, with Team USA, we don’t see each other often, so it’s been nice to have the opportunity to build a great friendship off the field.”
To wrap it up, what’s your impression of Pioli?
“He is Absolutely fantastic. He’s an excellent coach, and on top of that, he’s a person of great character. He motivates you to give your best without cutting any corners, but he’s also ready to encourage and help you when you make mistakes. I feel his trust, and that’s fantastic for a player. I’m really happy to have him as a coach.”
