08 September 2023 , 19:15
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Former Leeds United star Weston McKennie has expressed his delight after witnessing compatriot Christian Pulisic get his mojo back since leaving Chelsea.
The man supporters dubbed 'Captain America' during his time at Stamford Bridge experienced a tough final campaign in West London, playing just 812 minutes in the league. However, the 24-year-old attacker seems rejuvenated following his switch to AC Milan over the summer.
The United States talisman was made surplus to requirements by new Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino after falling down the pecking order in his last year with the club. A move to San Siro eventually beckoned for the American and he has not looked back since.
The former Borussia Dortmund ace has already scored twice in his first three outings for the Rossoneri and arrived at his international camp with a spring in his step. Joining up with his compatriots for his country's matches versus Uzbekistan and Oman, the change in the star's mood has been obvious to his teammates.
Speaking after joining up with the United States for the upcoming matches, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie has described how his long-term friend looks like a man transformed. The pair have known each other since they were teenagers and it is clear that the ex-Leeds loan ace is happy to see his pal back on old form.
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He said: "In training, it just seems like he is having more fun, like he's more confident. It seems like he's more fluid in the decisions he's making in the training - taking players on one-on-one, getting shots off and scoring goals.
"It's really exciting to be able to see that because I've known him since he was 13 and the one thing about soccer is to have fun with it. Once you stop having fun is whenever it gets really hard so to see him having fun with the game again is amazing.
The USMNT's Weston McKennie has explained how he has noted a change in his friend's outlook since moving to AC Milan (Candice Ward/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)McKennie added: "In training he's pulling off moves that I haven't seen him pull off in a long time but I know he can. So just to see him have the confidence again and starting off well in Milan and solidifying himself there is great [to see]."
Pulisic previously spoke about his woes during his last campaign in the Premier League, admitting he found his last months in England "tough", speaking via ESPN. However, his rejuvenation after joining up with his nation for the CONCACAF Nations League finals was fairly pronounced.
The flying winger notched a brace in a fraught semi-finals clash versus Mexico, while also being named man of the match in the 3-0 victory. After the US beat Canada 2-0 in the final to win the competition, he was named Player of the Tournament as he regained his form in style.