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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Productive debut season in Italy</li><li>Become key man for the Rossoneri</li><li>Ready for friendly duty in his homeland</li></ul>

Christian Pulisic labelled an AC Milan 'leader' as Ruben Loftus-Cheek opens up on his relationship with 'genuine' USMNT star

Serie A

AC Milan

Juventus

The United States international, who <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/christian-pulisic-captain-america-usmnt-gregg-berhalter-highly-skilled-2024-copa-america-bolivia/blte3edc42a56596271" target="_blank">filled skipper duties at the 2024 Copa America</a>, 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 <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/christian-pulisic-no1-usmnt-hierarchy-serie-a-alexi-lalas-future-questions-tim-weah-yunus-musah-juventus-ac-milan/blt2ee9ab30acf752c9" target="_blank">vindicated when enjoying a positive debut campaign in Italy</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Pulisic <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/christian-pulisic-mvp-ac-milan-usmnt-star-huge-billing-alexi-lalas-brilliant-15-goal-debut-season-italy/blt3ac570d64eb6fecc" target="_blank">posted a personal-best goal return of 15 efforts</a> 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.”

WHAT LOFTUS-CHEEK SAID

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.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Pulisic is <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/christian-pulisic-mls-appearance-ac-milan-star-watches-usmnt-colleagues-kellyn-acosta-brian-gutierrez-defeat-lionel-messi-less-inter-miami/bltde89d1a5fce035c3" target="_blank">still in the States on the back of a disappointing showing at the Copa America</a> 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.

WHAT NEXT?

Christian Pulisic labelled an AC Milan 'leader' as Ruben Loftus-Cheek opens up on his relationship with 'genuine' USMNT star | Goal.com

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