Christian Pulisic’s time at Chelsea was a rollercoaster. From being dubbed “Captain America” to enduring a series of injuries and inconsistent form, the American winger never quite fulfilled his potential at Stamford Bridge.
But two seasons on from his departure, Pulisic is thriving at AC Milan – and the numbers, as well as his own words, tell the story.
Pulisic made the switch to Milan in the summer of 2023, after four frustrating seasons in west London. In those four years at Chelsea, he managed just 26 goals across all competitions. Compare that to his last two seasons at Milan, where he’s already bagged 32 goals – and it’s clear something has clicked.
So, what changed?
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Pulisic offered a refreshingly honest explanation. “I’ve been given freedom here at Milan and I feel the trust everyone has in me, from my teammates to the coach, the management and the fans,” he said.
Trust. That one word speaks volumes. Under a carousel of managers at Chelsea – from Lampard to Tuchel to Potter – Pulisic was often shifted across positions, dropped without explanation, and struggled to stay fit. Milan, in contrast, offered him a consistent role on the right flank and, most importantly, belief.
“The club gave me a great opportunity by signing me, and I must improve every year, work hard and keep stepping up my performance,” he continued.
“If things are going well, it’s no surprise, given what I do during the season and in pre-season, as I give everything I can.”
Asked whether he feels more comfortable at Milan than he did at Chelsea, Pulisic didn’t shy away: “That’s right, even if it’s easier to say so after scoring a lot over the past two seasons.”
He also believes he has grown as a player, especially in his decision-making in the final third. “I think Serie A is a very physical and tough league,” Pulisic added. “Since arriving in Italy, I’ve improved at making decisions on how to finish off plays. I mean, choosing between taking a shot and making the final pass. For an attacking player like me, these are key aspects.”
It’s a side of Pulisic we saw only in flashes at Chelsea – the confident, decisive attacker who could change a game. Who could forget that solo goal against Manchester City in the 2019/20 season restart?
Now at 26, Pulisic seems to be entering his prime, and doing so far away from Stamford Bridge. “I’m really enjoying myself in Milan, and I want to continue this way,” he concluded.