Christian Pulisic back in Milan camp after USMNT absence

Christian Pulisic returned to Milanello this week eager to pick up where he left off after a record-breaking debut season in Serie A. The American forward chose rest and rehabilitation over a summer Gold Cup run with the USMNT, and early training-ground footage suggests the decision has already paid dividends.

Christian Pulisic puts club fitness first

Detractors in the United States questioned why the Rossoneri talisman declined national-team duty, but Pulisic privately felt the 2023-24 campaign had pushed his body close to breaking point. Milan’s medical staff logged more than 3,500 competitive minutes for him, a workload he had never managed during injury-plagued stays at Borussia Dortmund or Chelsea. By skipping June’s tournament, he avoided two trans-Atlantic flights, six matches on hard summer pitches and—most importantly—any delay to his off-season conditioning plan.

Rossoneri boosted ahead of Serie A kickoff

New coach Massimiliano Allegri immediately slotted Pulisic into the first tactical session, deploying him on the right of a fluid 4-3-3. Insiders say the 26-year-old’s acceleration looked sharper than in May, when a tight hamstring limited him against Torino. Allegri wants counter-pressing to be a hallmark of his second Milan spell, and having Pulisic buzzing around training cones at full throttle in early July is a welcome sight.

Allegri’s early impressions

Speaking to club media, Allegri praised the winger’s professionalism: “Christian arrived with low body-fat readings and top aerobic scores. It shows his commitment to Milan’s project.” The coach added that Pulisic’s ability to drift centrally gives Milan “an extra playmaker” when Rafael Leão holds width on the opposite flank.

Contract extension talks heating up

With 17 goals and 11 assists last term, the Pennsylvania native justified Milan’s €20 million fee inside eight months. Directors Geoffrey Moncada and Zlatan Ibrahimović have already opened talks to add two years to his current 2027 deal. Pulisic’s camp is relaxed; sources indicate only image-rights clauses remain unresolved, and both parties expect signatures before the squad’s US tour in late July.

USMNT fallout and the road to 2026

Skipping the Gold Cup may dent short-term chemistry with new American coach Jesse Marsch, yet Marsch publicly backed the decision: “We need Christian Pulisic fully healthy for World Cup qualifying.” Pulisic, for his part, sent teammates a congratulatory group message after their runner-up finish against Mexico and is pencilled in for September’s Nations League fixtures. At 26, he knows his prime World Cup window is three years away on home soil.

Statistical snapshot of a sparkling year

• 17 Serie A goals – most by a Milan midfielder/winger since Kaka in 2008
• 7 league assists – joint-best in the squad
• 84 chances created – top five across the division
• 28 progressive carries per 90 – highest among Milan regulars

Analysts credit a new routine—morning yoga, afternoon cryotherapy and meticulous sleep tracking—for keeping soft-tissue injuries at bay. Maintaining those habits was central to his summer programme in Southern California with golf-pro partner Alexa Melton.

Pre-season schedule

Milan fly to Washington, D.C., on 22 July to face Arsenal, then battle Manchester City in New Jersey and Real Madrid in Pasadena. Allegri plans to give Pulisic at least 60 minutes in each friendly to rebuild match rhythm before the 18 August league opener versus Bologna.

Supporters react to Pulisic’s decision

Some US fans remain frustrated, arguing a captain should never miss continental competition. Milanisti, however, flooded social media with applause when Pulisic posted an Instagram photo captioned, “Man does it feel good to be back.” Fan account @SempreMilan wrote: “Rested, motivated and already smiling—exactly what we need after last season’s European disappointment.”

Sponsorship and marketability

Nike, who renewed its personal boot deal with Pulisic in May, will launch a limited-edition “Rosso e Stars” Mercurial colorway during the US tour. Club officials expect shirt sales in North America to jump 20 percent, underscoring how the player’s commercial pull benefits Milan just as much as his on-field impact.

Opinion: The right call at the right time

Choosing club restoration over summer glory is never popular, but for an athlete whose career narrative once revolved around injuries, prioritising longevity makes sense. Milan gain a turbo-charged winger from day one; the USMNT ultimately gains a healthier leader for a home World Cup. Sometimes the smartest play is the one you don’t make.