“Wasn’t Getting the Time”- Christian Pulisic Breaks Silence on Chelsea Downfall & Finding ‘Trust’ at AC Milan

$74 million, that’s how much Roman Abramovich shelled out in 2019 to bring Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund to Stamford Bridge, making him the most expensive American player and Dortmund’s second-biggest sale. Despite the hefty price tag and comparisons to legend Eden Hazard, Pulisic struggled to meet expectations during his 4 years at Chelsea. 

Christian Pulisc’s first goal for Chelsea came as a perfect hat-trick against Burnley, making him the second American after Clint Dempsey to achieve the feat. However, the lockdown marked the beginning of his struggles, as a series of injuries, managerial changes, and other factors limited his game time and form.

Speaking in his latest documentary ‘Pulisic’, the American opened up about his highs and lows throughout his Stamford Bridge stint. “It’s not to say it’s easier now (at Milan) than it was with Chelsea, but there was a time in Chelsea where I felt on top of the world and I was playing great, and that confidence and that no-fear mentality was easy to have.”

In 2023, Pulisic joined the Serie A side for around $22 million, a significant drop from his peak market value. “And there was also a time when that was extremely difficult because I wasn’t getting the time. I felt pressure that I needed to do more when I did get on the pitch in some kind of way. Now, I’m in a really good head space where I feel quite confident. I feel a lot of trust from the club in a lot of ways.” added the forward. 

In over 90 appearances for Chelsea, Pulisic found the back of the net only 20 times. However, he was part of Thomas Tuchel’s side that lifted the Champions League trophy in the 2020-21 season. Since joining the Rossoneri, he has been thriving in Italy but often reflects on the challenges he faced at the start of his career.

“It was a scary thing to do” – Christian Pulisic on joining Borussia Dortmund 

At just 15, Pulisic left America to join Borussia Dortmund in Germany. His prolific performances during his time at Signal Iduna Park were the reason why Chelsea was willing to spend big bucks for him. Leaving home was indeed a big step, but for Pulisic, his ambitions were high, and safe to say, that he did make his dreams come true. 

“It was a scary thing to do, especially as an American leaving the country and my family. I kind of knew around that age that I really wanted to go over to Europe” says Captain America in an interview with UEFA. And he’s doing just that for the Rossoneri, recently providing an assist in the side’s 3-1 win over Real Madrid. 

Currently sidelined with a calf injury, Christian Pulisic has been ruled out for the rest of 2024. USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping that he’s fit by the time January camp arrives. With his own Chelsea ties, the Argentine manager will be keen on avoiding a repeat of the American’s time at Stamford Bridge.