Christian Pulisic is on his way to AC Milan in the newest chapter of his professional career.
AC Milan acquired Pulisic on Thursday in a permanent deal from English Premier League side Chelsea, both clubs announced. Pulisic’s contract will run until June 2027 and includes an option until June 2028.
Pulisic joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund in 2019 for a reported £58 million. A former UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup winner, Pulisic totaled 26 goals and 21 assists in 145 combined appearances for Chelsea.
“I’m delighted to be here, and I’m excited and honored,” Pulisic said Thursday in his opening press conference. “Everything truly is special at AC Milan. You can breathe in the history, and you just want to come here. The initial talks started when I was away on international duty and, although it took a bit of time to get the agreement sorted, I made the decision to accept early on.”
“I spoke to [manager Stefano] Pioli and got a real sense that he wanted to have me, and I’m grateful to him,” Pulisic added. “For me, it’s a new start. I also spoke to a few members of the ownership. AC Milan are really well supported in the U.S.; ever since I was a kid, I can remember the passion for these colors there.”
The U.S. men’s national team star struggled for the Blues during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring just one goal and adding two assists in 30 combined appearances. He missed part of the second half of Chelsea’s season due to a knee injury, while the Blues as a whole struggled for consistency in the EPL.
Pulisic recently helped the USMNT win a second-consecutive Concacaf Nations League title in June, scoring twice in the semifinals against Mexico. He also started a 2-0 finals victory over Canada.
The Bianconeri finished fourth in Serie A last season with 70 points earned. Pulisic joins up with former Chelsea teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who also joined AC Milan this week.