Mexico star Santiago Gimenez reveals 'crucify you' warning from Christian Pulisic after joining USMNT forward at AC Milan

Unfortunately for Gimenez and Pulisic, the 2024-25 campaign proved to be a forgettable one for the Rossoneri as a collective. They did savour Super Cup glory, but came unstuck in the Coppa Italia final and stumbled their way to an eighth-place finish in Serie A.

Mexico international Gimenez was acquired in the winter transfer window to deliver more firepower for Milan, but the 24-year-old striker managed just six goals through 19 appearances in all competitions.

Pulisic, in contrast, found the target on 17 occasions as he posted more personal bests. The American has become a popular figure at San Siro, with efforts being made to get him tied down on a new contract.

Gimenez is aware that he and many others in Milan will need to raise their game next season, telling GQ Mexico of the expectation that he is performing under: “Milan are a club that has won seven Champions Leagues and I don’t know how many other cups, so many. It’s one of the most important clubs in history and the fans are used to winning.

“They don’t settle for second place. Last season they came in second and Pulisic told me that people would crucify them anyway. Imagine now… it’s a very complicated situation for Milan.

“But that’s the measure with which Milan fans judge you. Being champion or not being champion, and this responsibility makes you a winner. It infects you, the people infect you. Next season is simply this: thinking about winning the Scudetto.”

Gimenez is working on a contract at Milan through to 2029 and will believe that he has much more to offer. Pulisic, meanwhile, appears set to stay put after generating plenty of transfer talk - with Premier League clubs said to be sniffing around the ex-Chelsea winger.