Christian Pulisic has sent a message of gratitude to departing AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli, crediting the coach with helping him find joy in the game again.
Pioli signed off on a five-year tenure in charge of Milan on Saturday, coaching the team for the final time in a 3-3 draw with Salernitana.
Pulisic grabbed an assist in the Serie A finale, capping off a career-best season that saw him record 15 goals and 11 assists in his debut campaign with the Rossoneri.
Pioli has been instrumental in Pulisic’s revival, giving the U.S. men’s national team forward the consistent starting role he was never able to nail down at Chelsea.
The American has previously attributed his success in Milan to the trust he received from Pioli, and following Saturday’s game, he posted a heartfelt farewell to the Italian in a post on Instagram.
“Thank you for everything Mister,” Pulisic wrote. “You and your staff helped me find the joy in this beautiful game again and for that I’m most grateful. Wishing you nothing but the best always!
“And thank you fans for the support this year. Here’s to bigger and better things next year.”
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Milan finished Pulisic’s debut season in second place, failing to bring home any silverware in an up-and-down campaign.
Pulisic also paid tribute to two departing Milan players in his Instagram story, saying of Simon Kjaer: “It’s been a pleasure, wishing you nothing but the best.”
He also made sure to mention Olivier Giroud, with whom he played at Chelsea and at Milan: “Gonna miss you buddy, some special memories together,” Pulisic said.
With the season over, Pulisic will take some time off before reporting to USMNT camp ahead of pre-Copa América friendlies against Colombia and Brazil next month.
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