AC Milan Signs Christian Pulisic from Chelsea

 AC Milan Signs Christian Pulisic from Chelsea

AC Milan Signs Christian Pulisic from Chelsea(Image-Getty)

AC Milan has officially acquired Christian Pulisic, the United States forward, from Chelsea on a four-year contract, with the possibility of extending it for another year. The Serie A club made the announcement on Thursday, without disclosing the financial terms. However, according to reports from British media, Milan paid Chelsea a sum of 20 million euros ($22.41 million), along with additional bonuses, for the 24-year-old player.

Pulisic had been with Chelsea for four seasons, accumulating 145 appearances, scoring 26 goals, and providing 21 assists. His contributions were instrumental in Chelsea's triumph in the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup in 2021.

This transfer adds Pulisic to the growing list of players departing Chelsea after the team's disappointing 12th-place finish in the previous Premier League season, marking their lowest position in nearly 30 years. Meanwhile, Milan secured a fourth-place finish in Serie A last season, which earned them a spot in the Champions League.

During his unveiling press conference with Milan, Pulisic expressed his dissatisfaction with his limited opportunities at his former club, stating, "The last few seasons with Chelsea were challenging. For some reason, I didn't get the chances I desired. However, I now have a fantastic opportunity to push myself to the highest level possible..."

Pulisic will don the number 11 jersey, previously worn by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with it after the Swedish legend's retirement. Pulisic clarified, "I'm not trying to fill his shoes; he's a legend. But it represents a fresh start, and I genuinely like the number. There have been many remarkable names associated with it, but as a younger player, I admired figures like Kaka and Ibrahimovic, as well as the current players here."

In the current transfer window, Pulisic follows midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek as the second player to depart Chelsea for Milan. For manager Stefano Pioli, Pulisic represents the fourth signing of the summer, joining backup goalkeeper Marco Sportiello from Atalanta, teenage forward Luka Romero from Lazio, and Loftus-Cheek.