AC Milan's Christian Pulisic, who is having a good season so far on a personal level, has granted an interview to those at GQ.com. Here are his words:
"I think they respect me here. I’ve enjoyed getting to know this league and playing here. I think in general, in Europe, the perception of Americans has come a long way from where I started. Which, it’s crazy to say, was almost ten years ago."
On what makes a new shirt really interesting:
"There’s different kinds. Some are a bit more flashy and you’re like, ‘Wow, that really stands out. That looks really cool.’ Crazy colors and stuff like that. There’s also the simple ones that are just super clean, maybe a plain white kit. I think they’ve captured more of that side with these new ones. Clean look, but also sleek design, that’s what I’ve noticed the most."
On Milan's new shirt, Pulisic continued:
"These jerseys are actually really nice! It’s a cool look. I think it’s going to look really good. I do get excited for a cool jersey. I’ll definitely keep them."
On collecting shirts as a child and living in Milano:
"I was a big shirt guy. I’ve had so many different ones. I wore my Wayne Rooney kit so much. That was one of my favorite ones. Living in Milan? I’m not a big shopping guy, to be honest, but there are definitely some nice places to go here It’s a great city for that."
On the city, Pulisic said:
"It’s much more relaxed than London, slightly friendlier than Germany. They’ve been super welcoming. I’m enjoying it a lot. The support, I mean you can just feel the energy and the passion from everyone in the stadium. It’s a special stadium, for sure. I’ve been in some good atmospheres in Europe, but this is definitely the best."
On the Italian language:
"I’m doing my best, taking lessons. I can understand everything the coaches are saying."
The transition from London to Milan was also made easier by some immediate success on the pitch...
"It’s not something that’s going to happen—scoring, that is—every time you debut [with a new club]. It obviously helps a lot and gives you a lot of confidence. But there have been times where I’ve gone places and my first game was extremely difficult. It’s about patience and trusting that the work that you put in will pay off. No one’s going to score every single game. Sometimes it takes a bit, sometimes it happens right away. That’s just life!."
Having some Americans as part of the club’s ownership group cushioned Pulisic's landing too:
"They helped me a ton during the whole transition,” Pulisic said. “The signing, welcoming me to the club, they were fantastic."
Asked what things he finds himself pining for the most while 4,000 miles from home, Pulisic pointed to the candy aisle:
"American snacks and candies, normal stuff. I’ve gotten pretty accustomed to the European lifestyle, but I don’t know about Italian candy. You can’t argue about the food! Candy and sweets, though, I think they’re a little bit behind."
Pulisic should know, having grown up in literally Hershey, Pennsylvania. If it’s any consolation, the fourth kits cooked up by his new club are sweet enough to satiate his cravings. "If you asked my teammates, I think about five of them would even know what Hershey’s is," Pulisic smiles. "But, I guess I did grow up in the sweetest place on Earth!"
