USMNT star Christian Pulisic ‘thankful’ to be in same category as Ballon d’Or winner Kaka – with AC Milan forward reflecting on ‘fantastic’ first season at San Siro

The United States international took a brave step into the unknown when leaving Premier League giants Chelsea for San Siro in the summer of 2023. He has had to adapt to life in a new squad, country and culture, but has impressed many with his work rate and technical ability.

Pulisic has posted a personal-best return of 15 goals across all competitions, becoming the first midfielder to reach double figures in Serie A for the Rossoneri since ex-Brazil international Kaka. The 25-year-old has said at the Premio Gentleman awards of emulating a Ballon d’Or winner: “I saw the statistics. It’s nice to be associated with a player like that, a legend of the club, I really have to be thankful for being a part of it.”

Pulisic has found the regular game time in Italy that was often denied in England and added on embracing a fresh start in Milan: “It was fantastic, I’m very grateful for the opportunity to play for Milan. I love the city, the team, it was a great first year for me. The food isn’t that bad either!”

Milan have missed out on major silverware in 2023-24, leading to serious questions being asked of head coach Stefano Pioli, but the expectation is that Pulisic will be back for more next season – with there still a Copa America tournament on U.S. soil for him to take in this summer.