Ruben Loftus-Cheek has explained why USMNT star Christian Pulisic, who is captain of his country, has become a “leader” for AC Milan.
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Productive debut season in ItalyBecome key man for the RossoneriReady for friendly duty in his homelandWHAT HAPPENED?
The United States international, who filled skipper duties at the 2024 Copa America, made a brave career call at club level when leaving Premier League giants Chelsea for San Siro in the summer of 2023. That decision was vindicated when enjoying a positive debut campaign in Italy.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT LOFTUS-CHEEK SAID
Pulisic posted a personal-best goal return of 15 efforts last season – with many of his appearances coming on the right flank – and Loftus-Cheek has said of seeing the 25-year-old become a key part of the Rossoneri’s plans: “I think he's a leader in the fact that he leads by example on the pitch. He had a fantastic season and we can only hope it gets better. It's a pleasure to play with Christian and to see his growth as well… He's just nice to be around, he doesn't want all the attention off the pitch, and he's quite a calm guy. It's nice to be around a person who is what you want in a good friend.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Loftus-Cheek also worked with Pulisic at Stamford Bridge and added on the bond that they have struck up on and off the field: “When Christian came to Chelsea we got on straight away. A genuine guy, a kind person, very talkative, and easy to get along with. When he said he was coming to AC Milan shortly after I made the transfer I was excited because he's a top player.”
PumaWHAT NEXT?
Pulisic is still in the States on the back of a disappointing showing at the Copa America and will soon be joined by Loftus-Cheek and the rest of his club colleagues as Milan ready themselves for friendly dates with Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
