BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – After a tumultuous summer with the U.S. men’s national team, Christian Pulisic is turning his focus to AC Milan.
Pulisic, the face of the national team program, is currently taking in preseason with AC Milan in the United States. The Serie A giants will play Manchester City on Saturday at Yankee Stadium, part of their three-game tour of the U.S.
AC Milan claims to be the most followed Italian club in the United States, with Pulisic and fellow USMNT star Yunus Musah both prominent parts of the first team. With a balanced and deep squad, there is optimism this year that the Rossoneri can bounce crosstown rival Inter from atop the Serie A standings.
This ambition comes as things with the national team remain a bit muddled.
Following a disappointing Copa América where the USMNT was bounced from the group stage, head coach Gregg Berhalter was fired. The federation has promised a thorough and comprehensive search, one that should see the next head coach guide the team through the 2026 World Cup.
“For us, of course, it was disappointing to exit as early as we did,” Pulisic said on Friday during a press event hosted by AC Milan to promote their tour.
“I have had a lot of time to think about it. For me, it was important to also take the time off and take some rest because it was a long season. And now my focus is here, 100 percent, to be honest. Obviously, some things will change with the national team and a new coach on the way or whatever. But I’ll worry about that in the international windows.
“I’m excited to be here, got some good rest. Really just ready to get started here. Obviously, we have a lot of games ahead this season.”
After a difficult end to his spell at Chelsea, Pulisic re-emerged as a top-tier talent on the club scene last season.
Pulisic scored 15 goals in 50 total appearances last year in an excellent debut campaign with Milan. The club finished second in the Serie A standings.
Coming off the struggles of the previous two years at Chelsea, where playing time and form were often strained, last year saw Pulisic reinvigorated with the Italian giants. It was a strong season that showed his technical quality in the final third in a league known for savvy and nuanced defending.
“When you join a big club there are always a lot of challenges. Coming here, not speaking the language, a new culture, a new country, it can be difficult,” Pulisic said.
“To be honest, some of these guys and just the club in general showed me the support and trust right from the beginning so they made the process very smooth for me. I was able to find a place just enjoying playing my football again. For me, that was the most important thing. I was happy to help the team and contribute and looking forward to an even better year.”
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