USMNT's Christian Pulisic will be a ‘key player' for Milan next season, says sporting director
Christian Pulisic will be a 'key player' for Milan next season and discussions over a contract extension will take place, the Serie A club's sporting director Igli Tare said.
The 26-year-old U.S. men's national team forward recorded 17 goals and 12 assists for Milan last season, the most fruitful season in front of goal of his career despite the club's eighth-place finish. With his existing contract set to expire in 2027, Tare, who was appointed as Milan's sporting director in May, said there will be discussions over a renewal in good time.
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'I will have the opportunity to discuss the renewal with Giorgio [Furlani, Milan chief executive officer] at the right time but right now we are only focused on the team,' Tare said at a news conference.
Following Stefano Pioli's departure as head coach last summer, his immediate successor Paulo Fonseca was dismissed within six months of his appointment. His replacement, Sergio Conceicao, took charge for the remainder of the campaign but also parted ways with the club after failing to secure European football with their lowest league placing since 2015-16.
Pulisic still impressed for Milan and was consistently available with 50 appearances in all competitions, his 11 league goals the highest in the squad. Tare recognised the forward's contributions and said he 'has a central role in this group'.
'I think he was one of the most positive players last season and he is one of the pillars of the season to come,' Tare added.
Massimiliano Allegri was appointed as Milan's new head coach shortly after Tare's arrival. The 57-year-old previously held the position of head coach at the San Siro from 2010-2014, and won a Scudetto with the club in 2010-11.
Pulisic opted to not make himself available for the USMNT's Gold Cup squad this month, and was left out by Mauricio Pochettino for the preceding friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland.
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