Christian Pulisic was a name that would’ve appeared on the transfer wish lists of many managers of top teams across Europe. The talented young American has enjoyed a stunning rise that has caught global attention, garnering admiration from all angles. But it’s London, and specifically Chelsea that secured his signature.
Pulisic's achievements to date in the Bundesliga make it easy to forget that he’s still only 20. Back in 2016 he became the youngest non-German to score in the Bundesliga followed shortly after by becoming the youngest player in the Bundesliga to score a brace. We sat down with the latest exciting new talent to join the Premier League to find out all about his move.
Christian, how does it feel to have this new chapter ahead of you?
It’s incredible. For me as an American I always dreamed of playing in the Premier League and to move over here to London and be right in the heart of it all, it’s really special.
What are you most looking forward to about the English football experience?
Growing up I always loved the competitiveness of the Premier League, that is something I’m really looking forward to. In the Premier League no game is an easy game, you play against top teams every week. There’s just something about it over here in England. It means a lot to me.
Moving to Germany and then on to England, was this a route you had mapped out?
Not necessarily. When I was younger I didn’t know I’d end up in Germany and then in England, but I’ve just kind of gone with it. I think Dortmund was a great place to start my career but after three-and-a-half seasons playing in the Bundesliga, I felt that it was time to move on and the Chelsea was the next logical step. I feel like I made the right decisions at the time, and so far everything’s worked out perfectly.
To get to the top in football takes a lot of hard work, but you’ve got to have a little bit of luck in there as well. Are you quite pleased with how everything’s worked out so far?
Yeah of course there is a component of luck, I am very fortunate and blessed to be in the spot I am now. However that being said, I work hard every single day to make sure that when opportunities come – I am ready.
What has the Bundesliga taught you and how do you think that has set you up for this new challenge?
I think starting for a top team in Germany, getting first team experience, it’s really helped me. The level in the Bundesliga is really high, it’s not easy to make it. Take this year’s title race for example, it went down to the last day, and unfortunately it didn’t go our way but it just shows how good the league is. I’m at a young age and I’m lucky to have started my career at such a high level, but I’m ready for this next chapter.
You were playing in front of Dortmund's famous yellow wall – is the experience of English fans and different stadiums something you’re looking forward to?
Yeah, definitely. Dortmund have some really good fans over there, all the games the atmosphere is always unbelievable. I’ve already experienced a few games over in England, so I know the atmosphere is crazy here as well and I’m definitely looking forward to that.
Which stadiums are you looking forward to ticking off on the road?
All the big ones. I’ve been to a few games at Stamford Bridge and I’m obviously most excited to play there. I’ve been to Wembley, Old Trafford, and Anfield so playing in those environments is always challenging, but really cool. It will be a lot of fun.
What was it like for you growing up in the States – the football culture is booming right now but did you grow up watching the Premier League?
Yeah I did, I grew up watching as much soccer as I could. I remember waking up early in the morning to watch the Premier League, that is one of the main leagues that they show on TV, so that was the easiest access for me. Yeah, that’s what I watched growing up. It’s pretty much come full circle now that I get to play in it.
What players and teams did you watch? What moments standout from your childhood watching the Premier League?
I remember so clearly when Chelsea won the league in 2005 with Drogba, Lampard, Terry; that team was amazing, or when Aguero scored on the last match day to give City the title. Those exciting stories were what made me love the Premier League growing up. To be in the position I am in now is just a dream.
Did you get the shirts/have the posters on the wall etc?
Of course, yeah. I had all of that. I was a big fan.
Have you been able to get a bit of a fan experience with Chelsea before you’ve got the playing experience?
Yeah, this year I have been able to watch Chelsea as both a fan but also as part of the team, they had a great season so that’s something the club can be proud of. I’ve always admired the winning mentality at Chelsea, that’s an environment that I can’t wait to be a part of.
Players like Jadon Sancho have taken the reverse move. Did you speak to him or any other players about the move to get their input?
I spoke with Jadon and he told me that the Premier League is incredible, that the football over here is amazing. I’m also close with Aubameyang and Sokratis from our time at Dortmund together, so I got their input as well.
How excited are you about the prospect of life in London?
I’m super-excited to be in a big city, to be around people that speak English! It’s incredible. I’ve been to London a few times and I’m excited to get to know it a little better.
Are you someone who plans to get stuck into the culture of London and explore the city as anyone else would?
Yeah, I guess as any American would, you know. I’ll definitely do the touristy stuff in the beginning and after that I guess I’ll slowly start to become a local. I want to get to know the city for sure.
What are the big changes for you and how do you think you’ll find that adjustment?
The language helps, but I feel the culture is a little bit more similar as the U.S. as opposed to over in Germany, which is a lot different. But there’s also going to be a lot of challenges. I’m playing for my first Premier League side, so it’s not going to be easy, but I’m looking forward to it and all the challenges to come.
How does it feel to now put a Chelsea shirt on? Will it be a surreal experience to have your name on a Premier League shirt?
Yeah, absolutely. I always wanted it to happen, it was a big dream of mine, but now that it’s actually here I don’t want to take it for granted. It really is special. It’s just a huge honour and this wave of emotions just washes over you when you put it on for the first time.
Football and streetwear are mixing like they never have before, is fashion and off pitch culture something that catches your imagination?
I have friends that are probably into it even more than I am, you know, the whole fashion side, but I definitely look at trends and I just think it’s awesome how the whole fashion world and football world can combine. Nike have been doing a lot of different collabs, so it’s always exciting to wear that stuff.
When it comes to moving over here, have you got any friends or family with you or are you on your own?
I’ll be coming over here by myself, but I already know a bunch of people over here and I have a lot of friends in London, so that will make it a lot easier.
Pick up the new Chelsea 2019/20 away shirt at prodirectsoccer.com
Photography by Rosie Matheson for SoccerBible.
