'Not caring what people think' - Christian Pulisic on anti-American attitudes as USMNT & AC Milan star plays in Europe

A proud alumnus of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, Pulisic could cross the Atlantic even right after his 16th birthday as he boasts of having Croatian lineage which allowed him to start playing in a different continent at an earlier age rather than at 18. Borussia Dortmund made the most of this and in February 2015 he was integrated into their U-17 squad. Since then the USMNT star has not looked back.

Pulisic went on to represent the Black and Yellows for four years before making a move to Chelsea in 2019. And after a lacklustre four years, according to his lofty standards, he completed a transfer to AC Milan in the summer of 2023 on a four-year deal that would see him stay in San Siro until 2027.

Despite plying in his trade in some of the biggest clubs in Europe, the USMNT forward complained of facing an anti-American attitude and even spoke of a "culture shock" after landing in Italy.

“Yeah it’s different, I’ve been in Europe for over 10 years now which sounds crazy," he told in an interview with CBS Sports. "It’s difficult at the beginning, I think people definitely look at this guy and say you know he’s an American guy I don’t want him taking my spot. You need a strong mentality and that’s been one of my strengths.

“Not caring what people think, showing people what I can do and hopefully, they’ll accept me for who I am. It can be a bit of a culture shock um like I said I’ve been in Europe for so long I’m almost used to it. However, at the beginning of last season, I remember when I didn’t speak a word of Italian you go into the first training sessions and the coach is yelling things."

Despite the challenges, Pulisic has settled well in Serie A. He emerged as one of the key players in the Milan dressing room last season with 15 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances. He has already rejoined the squad after a disappointing Copa America campaign with the USMNT. He hopes to hit the ground running in the pre-season friendly matches against Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, respectively.