Christian Pulisic: I wish Chelsea gave me more opportunity - ESPN

Christian Pulisic said he wished he had been given more of an opportunity to prove himself at Chelsea, but that his move to AC Milan can help him reach another level as a player.

The United States star signed a four-year contract with Milan this week to end a stay at Chelsea that never quite lived up to initial expectations following his €64 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2019.

Speaking to ESPN's Graham Hunter after signing his contract in Milan on Wednesday, Pulisic was asked if he could have been given more opportunities to prove himself at Stamford Bridge.

«Of course. I'd like to think so,» he said. «Of course there are definitely times where I wish I could've gotten more of an opportunity and been that guy but yeah, for whatever reason, that's not the case and like I said, I'm just so excited for this new challenge and I'm definitely ready and up for it.»

Pulisic made 145 appearances across his four seasons for Chelsea, scoring 26 goals and adding 21 assists. His highlight came in the 2020-21 season when he scored against Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinals en route to the London club lifting the trophy for the second time.

But, hampered by injuries, Pulisic's impact and his role has declined in recent seasons amid frequent managerial changes.

Last season he scored one goal in 30 games in all competitions — both his lowest single-season totals in four seasons with Chelsea.

In contrast, Pulisic said he was reassured by his initial conversations with Milan manager Stefano Pioli.

«I think he made me feel like he wanted me here, he wanted me to be a part of this team and he saw me fitting into this team and that's what I wanted to hear,» he said.

«Obviously I want a fair opportunity like everyone