Ruben Loftus-Cheek has explained why USMNT star Christian Pulisic, who is captain of his country, has become a “leader” for AC Milan.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
