20 July 2023 , 18:32
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Christian Pulisic looks to be slowly putting his Chelsea nightmare behind him as he settles into life with his new Serie A club following his summer transfer.
The USMNT talisman endured a season to forget during his final campaign at Stamford Bridge after he appeared for a total of just 813 minutes as the Blues finished in a lowly 13th place in the Premier League. Heading into the final year of his contract in West London, new boss Mauricio Pochettino decided it was the right time for a parting of ways with the pacey winger, with a move to San Siro beckoning.
After four seasons with the two-time European champions, the 24-year-old had fallen behind recent recruits Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku and he had become something of a forgotten man under Thomas Tuchel and Frank Lampard last term. In the end, it was last year's Champions League semi finalists AC Milan who won the race for his signature to the tune of £17 million ($22 million).
The man supporters once dubbed "Captain America" explained his reasons for pursuing a new chapter on the continent after a mixed stint with Chelsea upon his arrival in Italy, saying: "The main reason that prompted me to come here is to be able to restart and reach the top level."
The former Borussia Dortmund man can be pleased with the promising start to his Rossoneri career as he registered two assists in a friendly victory over Lumezzane at Milanello. It was an ideal start as he aims to show Chelsea what he is capable of and what they might be missing after letting him go.
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His first goal contribution in the 6-0 drubbing of the lower league outfit came from a trademark drive into the box before a pull-back for Tommaso Pobega. A further assist then followed for his new Milan teammate, with Pulisic the provider once more as he got on the end of a speculative forward punt to put a chance on a plate for Pobega, who converted from close range.
After a season in the shadows at Stamford Bridge, the 60-time international could not have wished for much more on his unofficial bow. A big season may beckon in Italy after Chelsea's bold call to let him depart.
Chelsea recently let Pulisic depart permanently to join AC Milan (AMA/Getty Images)He also expressed his delight regarding the prospect of a new challenge, while adding that he hoped to live up to his billing after inheriting the shirt vacated by recently retired icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He said: "I can't wait to learn what my best position will be. I want to help the team in the offensive zone.
"I haven't been able to express myself at my best in recent seasons at Chelsea, but now I've moved on and I want to get back to my level. The number 11, with [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, has taken on a legendary meaning, I don't want to fill that void or replace him. It's a number that I like."
It is clear that the transfer has captured the imaginations of the public as well, with sales of the club's famous jersey having soared since the announcement of his move. Incredibly, sales of Milan's iconic black-and-red shirts have increased by 266 percent since Pulisic joined the club, with 43 percent of these being bought by consumers from the player's homeland, as per the Express US.
Overall, sales in America have increased by a whopping nine percent already as a result of the USMNT ace's transfer. Amazingly, shirts bearing the Pennsylvanian's name representing 45 percent of all of those sold in that time.