Christian Pulisic believes, at 27 years of age, he could have another 10 years left in him. The USMNT star has also revealed that he intends to head home to MLS at some point in his career. While looking to the future, the United States international admits to feeling happy and settled at AC Milan for now – with life in Italy more enjoyable than his London-based stint at Chelsea.
European adventure: Germany, England & Italy for Pulisic
Pulisic left America in 2015 when making his way to Europe. He linked up with German giants Borussia Dortmund while still in his teens and has since taken in spells with Premier League and Serie A heavyweights.
Considerable success has been enjoyed along the way, becoming a Champions League winner, while personal bests continue to be posted with Milan. Pulisic has, however, stopped short of signing a contract extension there.
AdvertisementGettyFuture plans: Pulisic intends to play in MLS
He feels comfortable at San Siro – with golf pro girlfriend Alexa Melton paying him regular visits – and sees no reason why he could not play for another decade, with a retracing of steps to the States being enjoyed along the way.
Pulisic has told of his present and future: āMy Italian has improved a lot, and I feel much more confident in interviews now. I did a first telephone interview and found it difficult because I couldnāt see the person. Iām at a similar level to when I spoke German better. I like it here, I like the Italian culture, which I find very calm. I like the people, and the food is also very good. Does it beat London? Definitely.
āWhere will I be when I retire from football? Iāve thought about it. I donāt know, it depends on where my career takes me. Iāll definitely spend some time in the United States. Iāve been away from my family for a long time.ā
Pulisic added, with inspiration being taken from current Ballon dāOr-winning team-mate Luka Modric: āItās hard to know when itās time to retire. Looking at him [Modric] now, I see at least 10 years ahead of me. I want to keep going as long as possible. I see Luka in the dressing room: this guy is 40 years old and is performing like a 10-year-old. I wonder how he does it. I hope I can hold out, too. Weāre so lucky to have this job.ā
Ambitious targets: Pulisic wants Serie A title triumph
Pulisic has been nursing an injury of late, but has registered six goals for Milan this season – having hit 17 last season and 15 across his debut campaign with the Rossoneri. He is considered to fill the āworld-classā talent bracket and has plenty left to achieve at the very highest level.
The highly-rated forward said: āAm I in my prime? Iām at a good age in my career, probably in my best moment physically. Iāve learned a lot. I always say I hope my prime is next season because thatās always my goal. But if this is my prime, I want to enjoy it. But I definitely feel like Iām living my best moment in football right now.ā
On his ambitious targets, Pulisic added: āThe Scudetto? Thatās our goal, definitely. I donāt want to look at it from the negative side, like it will be if we donāt win. Weāll do our best, and weāll be judged game by game. There have been seasons where I havenāt won anything, but weāve done so many great things. When you win that trophy, thereās nothing like it; the work pays off.
āScoring goals is a private matter, at least for me. I wouldnāt share it. Thereās enough pressure on us; thereās no need to put more. People donāt realise the pressure we put on ourselves. I ask a lot of myself, but all professionals do. I set goals to help the team.ā
GettyPulisic contract: Will USMNT star sign AC Milan extension?
Pulisic is under contract with Milan through to 2027, with that deal including a 12-month extension option. The Rossoneri had hoped to have fresh terms in place by now, as they recognise the importance of their No.11 to the collective cause, but the relevant paperwork remains unsigned and questions continue to be asked of whether Pulisic could be on the move again in an upcoming transfer window.
