Christian Pulisic back in Milan camp after USMNT skip

Christian Pulisic strolled onto Milanello’s pristine grass this week, flashing the grin Rossoneri supporters have come to crave. After a well-publicised decision to bypass the summer’s Gold Cup and rest up, the attacker reported for day one of pre-season looking refreshed, lean and eager to build on last term’s personal-best return of 17 goals in all competitions.

Christian Pulisic headlines early AC Milan training sessions

The first few workouts under returning coach Massimiliano Allegri were light but intense, with Christian Pulisic featuring prominently in small-sided games and tactical drills. Fitness staff noted that his sprint data matched peak numbers logged in April, evidence that a summer spent away from competitive fixtures has sharpened, not dulled, the 26-year-old’s edge.

Backstory: Why the USMNT snub still resonates

Christian Pulisic’s choice to skip international duty caused a stir stateside. Critics framed it as a slight to a burgeoning national side gearing up for the 2026 World Cup on home soil. Supporters countered that a fully fit star in Serie A is ultimately an asset to the United States. Pulisic himself framed it simply: he needed mental and physical recovery after two relentless club seasons and a winter of Copa América qualifiers.

Fitness first in a crowded Milan attack

Allegri plans to rotate heavily between a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1, formations that demand explosive wide play. Christian Pulisic excelled on the right wing last season, but early sessions have also seen him tucked behind the striker, hinting at a more central creative brief. With Rafael Leão, Noah Okafor and new signing Joshua Zirkzee vying for minutes, earning top fitness metrics is a non-negotiable.

Contract extension around the corner

The American’s current deal runs until June 2027, yet club directors have already opened dialogue over a 12-month extension with improved terms. Sources inside Casa Milan indicate that both salary and image-rights variables are close to agreement. Christian Pulisic, settled in the city with golf-pro partner Alexa Melton, is understood to be “very happy” with negotiations.

Off-field life fuelling on-field calm

Living in the Brera district, Christian Pulisic has discovered a quieter rhythm than in west London. Team-mate and fellow American Yunus Musah recently revealed on a Twitch stream that the pair spend off days exploring Lombardy’s lakes rather than nightlife. A calmer lifestyle, combined with a personalised gym routine, formed the backbone of Pulisic’s decision to conserve energy this summer.

Christian Pulisic’s numbers speak volumes

• 17 goals and 9 assists in 48 appearances last season
• 4 match-winning strikes in Serie A
• 87% pass accuracy in the final third, best among Milan forwards
• 12 progressive carries per 90 minutes

What Allegri expects in 2025-26

Allegri’s first directive to Christian Pulisic was clear: “Be the reference point in transition.” That instruction underscores the coach’s intent to harness the American’s pace whenever Milan regain possession. The objective is a return to the Champions League by season’s end; without European fixtures this term, every league match becomes a mini final.

Fan reaction and media debate

Italian outlets universally praised Pulisic’s condition on arrival. La Gazzetta dello Sport ran the headline “Pulisic torna fulmine,” highlighting his speed tests. In the U.S., pundit panels remain split. Some lament a missed opportunity for younger national-team players to learn alongside their captain; others applaud the professional maturity to prioritise club fitness. Social media sentiment leans positive—#PuliBack trended on X within an hour of Milan posting training footage.

Looking ahead to the Emirates Cup opener

Milan’s first friendly, against Arsenal in Washington D.C., offers Christian Pulisic an intriguing reunion with Premier League opposition. Allegri hinted he will grant the American at least 45 minutes, keen to gauge his synergy with new midfield pivot Tijjani Reijnders. A standout showing on U.S. soil would silence lingering doubters regarding his early-summer absence.

Opinion: A calculated gamble that should pay off

Choosing rest over the Gold Cup looked risky in June, but the early evidence suggests Christian Pulisic made the right call. By arriving at Milanello fresh, he positions himself to spearhead a crucial bounce-back campaign. If his preseason sharpness translates into league form, both AC Milan and the USMNT will ultimately reap the rewards.