Christian Pulisic, Youssouf Fofana not in spat with AC Milan boss - ESPN

Christian Pulisic has denied there is a rift between himself and AC Milan head coach Sérgio Conceição after reports emerged that he had demanded to leave the club should the Portuguese manager remain next season.

Italian media claimed on Thursday that Pulisic and midfielder Youssouf Fofana had irreparably fallen out with Conceição in the wake of Tuesday's disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Feyenoord, with La Repubblica saying the United States forward would ask to exit unless Conceição was sacked before the 2025-26 campaign.

The report also claimed that Pulisic and Fofana were the most vocal in opposing Conceição's methods that had supposedly grated on several members of the squad despite the coach only being appointed on Dec. 30.

Milan shared a statement from the American on X in response the claims.

«I have never argued with the coach and I have never asked to leave,» Pulisic said. «I am very happy at Milan and I want to continue wearing this shirt. Reading these lies is unacceptable, but let's all continue to remain united and fight together on the pitch, for the club and for our fans.»

Multiple sources had told ESPN that the reports of a standoff had been greatly exaggerated and the team are united in their pursuit of qualifying for the Champions League again next season.

Pulisic was withdrawn after an hour of Milan's 1-1 draw with Feyenoord, the first player to be substituted despite leading the team in goal contributions in all competitions this term with 21. He has moved position to right wing to accommodate Conceição's desire to play Rafael Leão on the left-hand side and loan signing João Félix through the middle, though sources said there had been no indication this had been the