I WILL BE YANKEE DOODLE DANDY!
Chelsea £58m man says Americans CAN thrive in top flight
CHRISTIAN Pulisic has grown up hearing American footballers talked down.
So, he hopes his move to Chelsea will give him the platform to set the record straight.
‘ That’s a big goal of mine,’ Chelsea’s £58million signing from Borussia Dortmund said at his unveiling yesterday. ‘I want to try to prove to people that Americans can do it. I just want to make a name and represent my country so that we gain even more respect.’
The mission is an ongoing one for Pulisic, who first encountered the doubters following his move to Dortmund aged 15.
‘At the beginning they think, “Who is this American trying to take my spot?” You want to prove to them you are good enough.’
Such pressure and responsibility, though, is nothing new to the 20-year-old poster boy of American football, who may be Chelsea’s biggest summer arrival if they fail to overturn their transfer ban and the player all eyes are on if Eden Hazard moves on to Real Madrid.
He said: ‘ Eden’s a fantastic player, we all know that. If I can get anywhere close to him, I’ll be more than happy.
‘But I’m coming in to be my own player. I expect a lot from myself, for me that’s enough.
‘Obviously there’s pressure from outside — that’s to be expected. I want to be successful, be part of this team and make an impact. They are my goals and to become the best player I can be.’
Pulisic’s transfer was announced in January, though he remained in Germany for the rest of the season. He has been in England this week preparing for life at Chelsea ahead of playing for the USA in next month’s Gold Cup.