“Saya Benar-benar Mati”: Christian Pulisic Merinci Hari-hari Menjelang 'Permainan Flu' untuk Milan”.
Christian Pulisic says that he was “truly dead” a couple of days prior to delivering two-goal heroics for AC Milan in their dramatic win over Torino. The United States men’s national team star stepped off his sick bed and the substitutes’ bench to make a decisive contribution to a contest that has taken the Rossoneri back to the top of the Serie A table — level on points with defending champions Napoli.
Bagged a brace: Pulisic settles dramatic clash with Torino
Milan were unsure whether talismanic forward Pulisic would be available to them when planning for a trip to Turin. The United States international has been nursing a nasty bout of flu, with illness limiting his involvement in training sessions.
The 27-year-old was, however, prepared to push himself for the good of the collective cause. He was required in the second-half of a clash with Torino, as Milan found themselves trailing 2-1 just past the hour mark.
Pulisic was introduced in place of Davide Bartesaghi in the 66th minute. Inside 60 seconds, he found the target and dragged the Rossoneri back into a contest that was threatening to get away from them. He then went on to grab a match-winning effort 10 minutes later.
Captain America: Pulisic steps off sick bed to inspire Milan
‘Captain America’ admits that his involvement in the game was touch and go at one stage, but is delighted that he recovered enough to inspire Milan to three priceless points in their ongoing title challenge.
Pulisic told Sky Sport Italia afterwards: “Two days ago I was truly dead, today I felt much better. I’m happy to have come here to help the team. Yesterday we didn’t know if I could play, but this morning I felt much better.
“I’m happy with the goals, but the important thing was to win the match. I’m always happy when I can help. I want to score more goals and assists. This is my job and I’m happy with the three points.”
Pulisic now has nine goals to his name this season through 12 appearances in all competitions, with untimely injuries having prevented him from raising that bar even further.
Golden Boot race: Pulisic level with Inter striker Martinez
Milan are hoping that he will remain available for the foreseeable future, with Massimiliano Allegri’s assistant, Marco Landucci, saying of the American’s value: “We also have to praise the medical staff because Pulisic was really ill, yet he came and gave us a huge hand. [Pulisic] adalah pemain yang kuat, dia sangat tenang di ruang ganti, tapi di lapangan dia jahat dan di depan gawang, dia penembak jitu.”
Milan telah mengumpulkan 31 poin dari 14 pertandingan, jumlah poin yang sama seperti Napoli dan satu poin lebih baik dari rival beratnya, Inter. Pulisic, yang menyamai bintang Inter Lautaro Martinez dengan tujuh gol dalam perebutan Sepatu Emas Serie A, menambahkan perlunya mempertahankan standar tinggi sejak saat ini: “Ini adalah musim di mana kami tidak melihat Milan mendominasi pertandingan. Saya masih perlu menemukan lebih banyak ritme. Tim tampil sangat baik tahun ini. Kami menjalaninya pertandingan demi pertandingan.”
Keputusan Mendatang: Mengapa Pulisic Belum Menandatangani Kontrak Baru Milan?
Meski Pulisic terus tampil mengesankan saat fit, masa depannya di San Siro masih dipertanyakan. Pasalnya, tawaran kontrak yang sudah disodorkan selama beberapa waktu masih belum ditandatangani.
Mantan kiper USMNT Brad Friedel menceritakan SASARAN baru-baru ini tentang mengapa tidak ada perpanjangan yang disetujui: “Saya pikir ini menunjukkan bahwa dia membiarkan pilihannya terbuka. Ketika saya berada di klub, saya selalu ingin menandatangani kontrak ketika saya merasa senang di suatu tempat. Saya hanya bisa melanjutkan berdasarkan pengalaman pribadi, saya suka memiliki kontrak beberapa tahun – Anda tidak pernah tahu jika ada banyak cedera yang akan segera terjadi. Jika saya benar-benar bahagia di suatu tempat, saya sangat menikmati memiliki kontrak dua atau tiga tahun.
“Hanya ada dua alasan untuk tidak menandatangani kontrak. Pertama, Anda tidak senang dengan kontraknya. Kedua, Anda tetap membuka pilihan Anda. Mungkin dia telah memberikan komitmen lisan. Saya berasumsi bahwa dia tetap membuka pilihannya. Jika Anda bahagia di suatu tempat dan Anda senang dengan angka-angkanya, Anda menandatangani kontraknya.”
Milan, yang tidak memiliki agenda sepak bola Eropa musim ini, akan kembali beraksi di Serie A pada hari Minggu saat menjamu Sassuolo.
