Pulisic Shares Embarrassing AC Milan Initiation and Modric’s Clever Move

Christian Pulisic’s AC Milan initiation: Singing, iPhones, and New Beginnings

Christian Pulisic’s arrival at AC Milan in 2023 marked a new chapter for the USMNT star after a successful stint with Chelsea. Yet, even Champions League winners aren’t spared the classic football tradition: the initiation song. Pulisic candidly admits that his chosen tune—Miley Cyrus’s ‘Party in the USA’—was an “embarrassing” and cringe-inducing experience. The American winger, who’s known for his reserved personality, described the ordeal as one of the most uncomfortable moments in his career.

Pulisic’s AC Milan Initiation: ‘Party in the USA’ Takes Center Stage

Pulisic, who quickly established himself in Milan with 15 goals in his debut campaign and 17 in his second, was nevertheless not immune to the squad’s lighthearted rituals. He told Paramount+ how, despite being naturally quiet and preferring to let his football do the talking, he had to step up and perform in front of his new teammates. “It’s the worst moment in the world. I hate it; it makes me cringe. You see people so uncomfortable,” Pulisic recounted. This wasn’t his first brush with musical humiliation; he’d endured a similar fate at Chelsea.

How Modric Dodged the Singing—With iPhones

What made Pulisic’s experience even more memorable was learning how Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric managed to sidestep the same ordeal. When Modric joined Milan, he reportedly avoided the standard initiation by gifting his teammates new iPhones—a move that instantly won over the dressing room. As Pulisic puts it, “When you’re Luka Modric and you’ve won the Ballon d’Or, the Champions League, you can skip that process. And then you don’t say no to new iPhones. It’s a win-win situation.”

The anecdote highlights a fundamental truth about football locker rooms: status and generosity can sometimes buy you a way out of awkward traditions. For Pulisic, though, there was no such shortcut.

Life in Milan: Thriving on the Pitch, Reserved Off It

Since his move to Serie A, Pulisic has flourished both on and off the field. Quickly endearing himself to the passionate Milan fanbase, “Captain America” has become an honorary Milanista, earning respect from supporters and teammates alike. Despite his growing presence in Italian football, Pulisic remains a private figure, choosing not to engage heavily on social media. Instead, he allows his performances and professionalism to speak for themselves.

“People can see that I’m more reserved, more quiet in the group,” he shared. “But I’ve grown in my career, and I’m not afraid to speak my mind.” This measured approach has allowed him to adapt seamlessly to life in Italy while maintaining his focus on football.

Documentary Decision: A Rare Glimpse Into Pulisic’s Life

Despite his preference for privacy, Pulisic did open up to the world through a documentary produced by Paramount+ in 2024. He explained that letting cameras into his life was a difficult decision, driven by a desire to inspire young athletes in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. “It was hard to let people into my life, but it was the right thing to do… to inspire kids. It was about sharing what I’ve experienced in my career, and it was difficult. Hearing you talk a lot is not something I like,” Pulisic admitted.

By choosing to share his story in a controlled and purpose-driven way, Pulisic balanced his instinct for privacy with the broader mission of motivating the next generation of American footballers.

Pulisic’s Focus: Ready for the USMNT and the 2026 World Cup

With the 2026 World Cup set to take place on home soil, Pulisic’s role as a leader for the USMNT is more significant than ever. While he recently missed out on the latest squad selection due to a minor injury, expectations are high that he’ll be central to coach Mauricio Pochettino’s plans—potentially even as captain.

For now, Pulisic is focused on continuing his strong form at Milan, eager to build on his impressive goal tally. Fans and pundits alike are confident he’ll be at the heart of the USMNT’s ambitions when the world’s eyes turn to the United States next summer.

Opinion: Pulisic’s Humility Sets a Powerful Example

Christian Pulisic’s willingness to embrace team traditions—even at the cost of some personal embarrassment—shows his humility and commitment to being a true team player. Unlike stars who might use their status to sidestep such moments, Pulisic’s attitude endears him to teammates and fans alike. As he gears up for the 2026 World Cup and continues to excel at AC Milan, Pulisic exemplifies the blend of talent, humility, and professionalism that young athletes everywhere should strive to emulate. For more news and in-depth football stories, visit for more news.