Pulisic scores screamer in Serie A debut with AC Milan
United States standout Christian Pulisic began his AC Milan career in impressive style by scoring one goal and setting up another as Bologna was beaten 2-0 Monday in their opening match of Serie A.
Pulisic, who joined Milan last month form Chelsea, had a hand in Olivier Giroud’s opener and his former Chelsea teammate returned the favor in the 21st minute.
“It was a fantastic start for sure,” Pulisic said. “I’m really excited to be a part of this team. The two early goals really helped us because it was a difficult game after that. And for me just a great start personally as well, nice to get a goal.”
Pulisic is one of several new Rossoneri faces. Milan was the busiest Serie A club in the offseason, bringing in six new players and he said the presence of former teammates played a part in his decision to join the storied Italian club.
“It was just speaking with those guys. With Olivier we had some good experiences together, I played with Fikayo (Tomori), I played with Ruben and the connection is just there, as you can see tonight again,” the Hershey native said. “And it was great to get the assist from Ollie again. It just felt like the perfect step in my career and I feel really, really welcome.”
Pulisic put in a precise crossfield pass to the back post where Tijjani Reijnders cut it back for Giroud to slot in at the other side.
Pulisic did even better 10 minutes later when he played a one-two with Giroud before firing into the far side.
Dest moves from Barcelona to PSV
BARCELONA, SPAIN » Barcelona
reached a deal to loan American defender Sergiño Dest to Dutch club PSV Eindhoven Monday until the end of the season.
Barcelona said PSV has an option to make the transfer permanent, while the Spanish club “reserves the right to a percentage of any future sale of the player.” The percentage was not disclosed.
The Netherlands-born Dest will join fellow American Ricardo Pepi, the forward who joined PSV last month on a five-year contract.
“PSV were in touch with me every day and expressed a keen desire to get me on board, which was a good feeling,” Dest said. “I’m still the same player but I’ve gained a lot of experience and I’ve hopefully acquired a higher efficiency. I can’t wait to make my debut.”
PSV’s technical director is former U.S. international and former Union sporting director Earnie Stewart.
The 22-year-old played for Ajax before joining Barcelona in 2020, where he made 72 appearances — 56 as a starter. He played last season on loan to AC Milan.
After criminal case, Man U to let Greenwood go
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND »
Manchester United said that Mason Greenwood will leave the club after a criminal investigation of attempted rape was closed by prosecutors six months ago.
The 21-year-old England forward has not played for United since January 2022 and his future remained unclear during the club’s own investigation.
“All those involved, including Mason, recognize the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United,” the club said in a statement. “It has therefore
been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”
Greenwood said it was “the best decision for us all … to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not
be a distraction for the club.”
Greenwood had been implicated in controlling and coercive behavior and assault relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.
Prosecutors in England closed their case in February, and United’s own investigation continued.