Christian Pulisic reveals he offered to go in goal in AC Milan’s moment of crisis vs. Genoa – as he opens up on loving life in Italy after leaving Chelsea and commentators going WILD over his Serie A heroics

• Pulisic said that Olivier Giroud and Fiyako Tomori have helped his transition 
• He also admitted to volunteering to go in goal vs. Genoa, before Giroud did 
• DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news 

After a successful start to his season for new club AC Milan, Christian Pulisic is back stateside with the USMNT ahead of friendlies against Germany and Ghana.

Before a Friday training session in East Hartford, Connecticut, Pulisic reflected back on his start in Serie A, the last game he played, and his fondness for how Italian commentators have reacted to his goals.

Pulisic scored the game-winning goal in Milan’s most recent game against Genoa – a match that had more chaos than normal after both goalkeepers were sent off.

The American said he offered to go in between the sticks for Mike Maignan, but he was ultimately passed over in favor of Olivier Giroud.

‘A few guys ran over and they said, “who’s gonna go in goal?,”‘ Pulisic explained. ‘And I said, “I’ll do it. I’m happy to do it if that’s what it takes.”

Christian Pulisic’s start with AC Milan has gone swinningly – with four goals in eight games

Now with the USA, Pulisic reflected on his life in Italy, recent games, and his Serie A transition

‘But then, Olivier, said he would do it. I think the goalkeeper coach agreed [with him] more. It’s safer. He’s a little bigger, but I think I would have been okay. But he went in and did a great job.’

That change happened right after Pulisic scored the lone goal of the day off a cross from USMNT teammate Yunus Musah. Some believed that Pulisic committed a handball in the box, but he obviously thinks otherwise.

‘Well, for me, it hit right on my chest and like my armpit area, which I don’t believe is considered a handball,’ he said. 

‘So I think that’s kind of how the ruling is. It didn’t feel like a handball at all when I pulled the play off. It didn’t feel like that at all. I felt like I controlled it fine. So for me, it’s the right call.’

The match was an intense one – with multiple cards distributed and a tight scoreline.

When asked where the game ranked in terms of craziness, Pulisic said it was ‘for sure one of the one of the craziest.’ 

‘I mean, that’s I’ve never seen that before. I’ve never been a part of a game where a player has gone in the goal. 

‘It felt like the game was going on for forever. It was it was insane. Obviously a lot happened. A lot of emotions. 

Pulisic scored in Milan’s last game against Genoa, a fixture he said was ‘one of the craziest’

He said he also offered to go in goal when Maignan was sent off, but Olivier Giroud stepped in

‘So yeah, definitely had to calm down a bit after that one. But definitely up there. Right at the top I would say.’

Pulisic’s goal went viral on Twitter not only for his strike, but for the reaction from Italian commentators – who have latched onto his presence in this Milan team.

‘Some people sent that to me,’ the winger revealed. ‘It’s pretty cool. Those guys are awesome. 

‘Obviously, they’re very passionate in Italy in general, very passionate fans and I’m really excited just being over there. It’s been cool to kind of experience their culture and how they how they do things.’

Pulisic also touched on his transition into Serie A, saying former Chelsea teammates now at Milan have been crucial.

‘Some of the familiar faces that I’ve had over there, obviously with Giroud and (Fiyako) Tomori, those guys have helped me a lot getting used to the game and actually helping me learn the Italian way and stuff like that.

‘Playing for Pioli has been great. I think he’s an awesome coach and challenges you a lot. But he’s also there to put his arm around you. He’s a really good guy and I can feel the trust from him.’ 

Pulisic said the United States team is ready to move past this year’s Reyna-Berhalter scandal

Finally, Pulisic also addressed the Gio Reyna-Gregg Berhalter scandal, saying the team is largely set to move on from the situation.

‘That’s old news,’ Pulisic said. ‘I mean, I haven’t even thought of it to be honest.

‘Everything’s going smooth. Gio is great player and he’s right back where he left off.’

Pulisic is expected to start at left wing for the United States in Saturday’s matchup against Germany. 

Source: Read Full Article