Christian Pulisic, one of the leading figures in U.S. soccer and the captain of the USMNT, has built most of his remarkable career in European football, where he has played for the past nine years.
After signing with Borussia Dortmund in 2015, Pulisic has consistently participated in the top leagues of European football, later playing for Chelsea in the Premier League and currently for AC Milan in Italy’s Serie A.
Pulisic gets torched by USMNT teammates playing American football
Despite playing for three major teams in top European leagues, Pulisic‘s journey has not been easy. American players often face skepticism in Europe.
In an interview with CBS Morning alongside former Milan player Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pulisic discussed the difficulties he has encountered.
“I’ve been in Europe for over ten years, which seems crazy. It’s tough at first. I think people definitely look at me and say, ‘You know, he’s an American, I don’t want him taking my place here,'” Pulisic said.
He further explained how he overcame the initial hostility: “You have to go in with a strong mentality, like Zlatan did. I think that’s been one of my strengths.
“Regardless of what people think, going out and showing the fans what I can do. That’s what I’ve done.”
Cultural Shock and Language Barriers in Italy
Pulisic also recounted the cultural and language challenges he faced upon joining AC Milan last season.
“At the beginning of last season, I remember not speaking a word of Italian, going to the first trainings, and the coach yelling things in Italian, and I didn’t understand anything,” Pulisic said.
Despite these challenges, Pulisic proved his worth, scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists in his first season with the Rossoneri.
Currently, Pulisic is under contract with Milan until 2027. He acknowledges that the upcoming season is crucial for the team to compete for the Italian league title.
As part of Milan‘s U.S. tour, Pulisic is back in the States, preparing for matches against Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.
Christian Pulisic‘s journey in European football exemplifies resilience and determination, overcoming discrimination and language barriers to become a pivotal player for top European clubs.
His story continues to inspire many aspiring footballers, especially from the United States.