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Nylon
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Nylon
Interview with Christian Pulisic and Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan, who were recently in Singapore to kick off the team's Pre-Season Tour
There's no better time for a football fan to revel in the heart-pumping excitement and electric intensity of a world-class football match than at the Singapore Festival of Football, happening from 23 to 27 July 2025 at the National Stadium. Returning after a two-year hiatus, the event brings three of Europe's biggest teams namely Premier League clubs Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC, as well as Italian giants AC Milan, together for two exhilarating matches — one of which had just concluded on 23 July, between Arsenal and AC Milan. Despite a 1-0 result with Arsenal taking home the Tridentity Cup, the friendlies gave AC Milan the opportunity to test their young players, and 20-year-old goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani seized the opportunity to help the Italian club win a pre-arranged shootout after the match ended. The team ended up winning the penalty shootout with a 6-5 scoreline. Fikayo Tomori dressed in PUMA. Photographed by Adele Chan on the Leica M11, and taken on site at LeVeL 33. For 19-time domestic champions and seven-time European champions AC Milan, this is the first time the team made their visit to Singapore, and aside from working the field, the club also connected with fans in a lifestyle and fashion aspect during their meet-and-greet at PUMA's flagship outlet at 313 Somerset. Since the club's establishment in 1899, AC Milan has evolved to become more than just a football team; taking its collective creativity and culture beyond the field and turning it into a living, breathing symbol of the club's identity; a Clubhouse, if you will, where football meets fashion, design, music and art to create cultural conversation. Prior to catching them on the field, we got the opportunity to have a quick chat with AC Milan players Christian Pulisic and Fikayo Tomori. Here's how it went. Christian Pulisic dressed in the AC Milan and PUMA Away Kit for the 2025/26 season. Photographed by Adele Chan on the Leica M11, and taken on site at LeVeL 33. Christian Pulisic: I've only been here for a day but it's a beautiful city. The fans have been great — very passionate — as they were waiting for us at the hotel. So, it's been a good experience. Fikayo Tomori: This is actually my second time in Singapore. The last time I was here was in 2017, and I found it really clean, and the people were nice. It seems like a very chill city. I think we arrived at the hotel close to 12am, and everyone was waiting. The fans were nice and loud too. Even though everyone was tired from the flight, it kind of woke us up. Obviously we knew we had fans here but to be here and see them; it's really nice. Christian: It's similar (to the training during in season matches), but, of course, during the pre-season we're working a lot more on fitness with a lot of running involved, and making sure we're fit and that we are ready going into the season. Fikayo: A lot of running, and this is because a lot of the guys (on the team) have been out 4-5 weeks. We are so finally tuned during the season that even though a few weeks off does not mean that you have lost all your fitness, but you have to build it back up again. And, obviously now that we are getting ready for a season where you're playing at least a game a week — you have to be prepared. Now that we have a new coach, there's also a lot of new ideas, new tactical approaches, and there's building chemistry with the newer players too. Building that togetherness as a team is what this period focuses on. Christian: For me, it's more about just a routine. I always eat similar things, I always go for a nap at the same time, and just have the same routine over and over again. I'm not overly superstitious. Fikayo: It's probably so normal to me that I don't know I'm doing it (laughs), but I always put my right shin pad on first. That is something I notice I do but I don't know why. Christian: I'm hoping for a good first match for the team. We expect, obviously, a very good opponent — Arsenal, you know, is one of the best teams in the world — so, a good match and hopefully good results for us. I hope the fans enjoy a very entertaining match too, seeing some of the world's top players in Europe. Fikayo: I'm expecting the stadium to be loud and a good game with two good teams. You never go into a pitch wanting to lose, because you always want to win; and even though it's pre-season, there's still going to be that competitive edge to it. Christian: Oof, that's a good question. I think for me it's all about the discipline. Just going and making sure you put in the work and making sure that you are disciplined every single day if you want to improve — because that's what it takes. I just take that into life and follow the right steps, and work hard every single day at the little things. Fikayo: I came here with Chelsea when I was playing for them and the older players were telling me about how the career's going to go so fast, so make sure you make the most out of it. So, I'm now at that age where I'm telling the young guys; don't waste a day. Everything goes by really quickly. Although it is just the beginning of the season, and the end of the season seems so far away, it goes really quickly and suddenly you've ticked off another season. So, I think just don't let it pass you by and get everything you can out of yourself. Christian: Any football team? Oh man… I don't know… that's tough to say since we are already playing against some top teams. Maybe we could play against an American team. Like Miami or Nashville since it's where I'm from and I know some people, so it would be nice. Fikayo: Normally I would have said Arsenal because my hero growing up was Thierry Henry, but now we're playing Arsenal. So, I would say let's play a Singapore team. I know we're training at the Lion City Sailors training centre so why not them? It's nice for the fans to see us so I think any game that we play would be a nice one, but I think if we played a local team from Singapore, it would be a lot different. Fikayo Tomori dressed in PUMA. Photographed by Adele Chan on the Leica M11, and taken on site at LeVeL 33. Providing the perfect backdrop for our time with Christian and Fikayo is the renowned LeVeL 33 — the world's highest microbrewery in a building, offering a dining experience unlike any other. Here, you can enjoy a ContemBrewery cuisine served exclusively with sustainable seafood, ethically pasture-raised beef, and locally sourced organic produce such as vibrant greens, edible flowers, and baby herbs, alongside beers made with 100% organic hops and malt like their Brut Beer — inspired by their relationship with Barons de Rothschild and crafted using the same yeast as Champagne to produce super fine bubbles and a dry finish.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pulisic, Torriani, defence: Three things learned from Milan's 1-0 loss vs Arsenal
Milan defended as a unit and saw Christian Pulisic drop deep to collect the ball in the first half: here's what we learned from the Rossoneri's loss against Arsenal on Wednesday. A Bukayo Saka goal gave Arsenal a 1-0 win over Milan in their Tridentity Cup debut in Singapore. It was the Rossoneri's second summer friendly after a 3-0 win against Milan Futuro last week. Massimiliano Allegri deployed a 3-5-2 formation, but made several changes in the second half. Mike Maignan, Youssouf Fofana and Alex Jimenez were not fully fit, so they were not involved during the 90 minutes. Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez are still on holiday as they finished the 2024-25 campaign after their teammates due to Club World Cup and international commitments. But what did we learn in Milan's loss against Arsenal? Let's find out. SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – JULY 23: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan looks on prior to the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and AC Milan at National Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Singapore. (Photo by Yong) Resolute defending Allegri seems to have already brought his style to Milan. Rossoneri fans were accustomed to seeing their team press high and try to win the ball high up the pitch, although they appeared to lack tactical organisation, especially in the 2024-25 season under either Paulo Fonseca or Sergio Conceiçao. Allegri seems to have partially addressed that issue as Milan defended with tight lines against an Arsenal side that dominated possession and had enough chances to score more than once. Saves from Pietro Terracciano and Lorenzo Torriani did the rest as they helped the Rossoneri in an eventual narrow defeat. It's no secret that Allegri prioritises defensive organisation and freedom for his strikers, so it was predictable to see Arsenal dominate proceedings, with the Rossoneri trying to hit on counter-attacks. Also, don't forget Allegri has been in charge of this Milan side for just 20 days, while Arsenal have been playing under Mikel Arteta for many years now. Pulisic and strikers As previously mentioned, Gimenez is unavailable for Milan during their pre-season tour in Asia, so the only centre-forward available against Arsenal was Lorenzo Colombo, who is not even expected to remain at San Siro this summer, with Genoa ready to secure his signature. Leao and Pulisic started in attack against the Gunners, but the Portuguese star was more of a centre-forward, while the USMNT captain, who seemed in good shape already, often helped Samuele Ricci in the build-up by dropping deep and collecting the ball in the middle of the park. Pulisic was subbed off during the break, while Leao was replaced with just 11 minutes remaining and showed a very good attitude, with and without the ball. Surely, we'll see a different Milan once Gimenez returns and Igli Tare signs another centre-forward. What a save from 20-year-old Lorenzo Torriani 🧤 — CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) July 23, 2025 Goalkeepers With Maignan still not fully fit, Terracciano and Torriani had a very busy day at the office, but didn't disappoint. The ex-Fiorentina goalkeeper, who only joined Milan a few days ago, produced some good saves in the first half, but Torriani's interventions were perhaps even more spectacular and even helped Milan win the penalty shootout, which took place despite Arsenal's win across the 90 minutes. The 20-year-old keeper saved three penalty kicks: he's undoubtedly one to watch for the future. Lorenzo Torriani saves Odegaard
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Arsenal stars look baffled as Martin Odegaard is presented with trophy he doesn't even bother to lift
ARSENAL stars were left looking baffled as they were presented with a trophy following their pre-season opener against AC Milan. The 4 Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was presented with the Tridentity Cup after beating AC Milan 4 He then took the trophy over to his team-mates to pose for pictures 4 But he did not even bother to lift it in front of watching fans Credit: Getty The match took place at the Singapore National Stadium in Kallang, which And fans were treated to a trophy ceremony for the Tridentity Cup following the game. However, much like the game itself, it ended up being very subdued. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL He then took the silverware with him as he went to stand over with his team-mates. Many fans would have then expected him to lift it to keep up appearances, despite the relative lack of prestige behind the pre-season gong. But instead, the 26-year-old simply placed the trophy on the ground and bent down to get closer to it for pictures to be taken as team-mates crowded around. After a couple of seconds, the team then dispersed. Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK They are set to be bolstered by new signing Cristhian Mosquera, after the defender travelled to join the team despite his transfer from Mikel Arteta says his Arsenal squad are eager to win the Premier League title after coming so close last season Meanwhile, with the move for Viktor Gyokeres all but agreed he is also expected to join the club in Singapore after his £63.5million switch from Sporting Lisbon. He said: "I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet. When we have something concrete to offer, we will do that... "There are a lot of parties and things that we have to bear in mind to get a player over the line and here. I'm very hopeful that we are going to do it very soon. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 'There's still a long time in the window and we are seeking still, in terms of numbers. 'We are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market. 'Ideally you want it from day one in pre-season. We have done very well so far, I'm very pleased with how the club has supported the improvements that we required in the team. "[Sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the team have done an excellent job trying to push everything forward. "You see the club ownership and the ambition we have, the alignment we have. There is excitement about the new season. 'There's a long time to go in the window but we still have hopes we can improve the team and we will continue to try and do that. 'Until that happens, focus on the players we have and focus on them.' 4
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Arsenal stars look baffled as Martin Odegaard is presented with trophy he doesn't even bother to lift
Trophy drift Arsenal stars look baffled as Martin Odegaard is presented with trophy he doesn't even bother to lift Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARSENAL stars were left looking baffled as they were presented with a trophy following their pre-season opener against AC Milan. The Gunners were in action in Singapore on Wednesday and won the clash 1-0 thanks to a Bukayo Saka strike, before losing the mandatory shootout despite three saves from Kepa Arrizabalaga. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up CHAMPIONS OF SINGAPORE, YOU'LL NEVER SING THAT — Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) July 23, 2025 4 Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was presented with the Tridentity Cup after beating AC Milan 4 He then took the trophy over to his team-mates to pose for pictures 4 But he did not even bother to lift it in front of watching fans Credit: Getty The match took place at the Singapore National Stadium in Kallang, which was less than half full of its 55,000 capacity with 25,000 supporters of Arsenal and Milan in attendance. And fans were treated to a trophy ceremony for the Tridentity Cup following the game. However, much like the game itself, it ended up being very subdued. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was presented with the trophy and posed for a picture. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Arsenal ratings Saka is superstar but Havertz looks sluggish and Zubimendi dissapoints He then took the silverware with him as he went to stand over with his team-mates. Many fans would have then expected him to lift it to keep up appearances, despite the relative lack of prestige behind the pre-season gong. But instead, the 26-year-old simply placed the trophy on the ground and bent down to get closer to it for pictures to be taken as team-mates crowded around. After a couple of seconds, the team then dispersed. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Arsenal's next pre-season game will come against Newcastle at the same venue on Sunday. They are set to be bolstered by new signing Cristhian Mosquera, after the defender travelled to join the team despite his transfer from Valencia not yet being announced. Mikel Arteta says his Arsenal squad are eager to win the Premier League title after coming so close last season Noni Madueke will join the team after a period of rest following his participation in the Club World Cup with Chelsea. Meanwhile, with the move for Viktor Gyokeres all but agreed he is also expected to join the club in Singapore after his £63.5million switch from Sporting Lisbon. Arteta played his cards close to his chest when asked about his imminent new ace but was hopeful the other new faces at the club would join them soon. He said: "I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet. When we have something concrete to offer, we will do that... "There are a lot of parties and things that we have to bear in mind to get a player over the line and here. I'm very hopeful that we are going to do it very soon. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 'There's still a long time in the window and we are seeking still, in terms of numbers. 'We are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market. 'Ideally you want it from day one in pre-season. We have done very well so far, I'm very pleased with how the club has supported the improvements that we required in the team. "[Sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the team have done an excellent job trying to push everything forward. "You see the club ownership and the ambition we have, the alignment we have. There is excitement about the new season. 'There's a long time to go in the window but we still have hopes we can improve the team and we will continue to try and do that. 'Until that happens, focus on the players we have and focus on them.'
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Bukayo Saka the difference as Arsenal beat AC Milan at National Stadium
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka (in blue) scored the only goal in his side's win over Italian side AC Milan at the National Stadium on July 23. SINGAPORE – Much of the pre-season buzz surrounding Arsenal has centered on their activity in the transfer market and pursuit of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres as the final piece of the jigsaw in their hunt for major honours. At the National Stadium on July 23, though, a graduate of the club's Hale End academy again underscored his status as Arsenal's talisman. England star Bukayo Saka showcased his flair and finesse in front of a crowd of 22,813 fans, and scored the only goal as Arsenal began their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 win over Italian giants AC Milan. The victory saw them handed the Tridentity Cup. Fans were also able to witness a penalty shoot-out at the end of the game – a regular feature of Arsenal's pre-season matches under Mikel Arteta – which Milan won 6-5. Saka – who received the loudest cheers of the night when the team sheet was announced before kickoff – was handed the captain's armband until club skipper Martin Odegaard was introduced as a half-time substitute. After a goalless first half, Saka was on hand at the right place and right time in the 52nd minute – just as he has on numerous occasions since he debuted for Arsenal in 2018 – to find the net. A whipped in cross from defender Jakub Kiwior picked out Saka, who escaped his marker at the back post before applying a scuffed finish that found its way into the net. The strike drew the loudest decibels of the night from the Arsenal fans – who made up a majority of those in attendance – who got up on their feet to rejoice as Saka celebrated with his teammates. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Judge asks prosecution for more information on Kpods in first case involving etomidate-laced vapes Singapore Male victim of fatal Toa Payoh fire was known to keep many things, say residents Singapore 5 teens arrested for threatening boy with knife, 2 charged with causing hurt Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kicks in Singapore Cyclist charged after allegedly hitting elderly pedestrian, killing him Singapore Over 1.15 million Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 have claimed SG60 vouchers Singapore Singapore Oceanarium will enhance tourism while supporting sustainability: Grace Fu In the post match conference, Arteta said that he was pleased with his teams' performance. 'A lot of them showed that they are already at a really good level. Bukayo is one of pushed him through the summer as well to catch up... to give himself the best chance to explore his qualities,' added Arteta on Saka who netted 12 goals in the 2024-25 campaign where he missed 12 games in the Premier League after suffering a hamstring injury in December 2024. He returned to action at the start of April when Arsenal's title bid was already on life support as the Gunners sputtered to the finishing line, winning just five of their final 13 league games. Saka who in 66 minutes produced a man-of-the-match worthy performance was then brought off for 15-year-old Max Dowman – another Hale End product – whom Arsenal fans and Arteta will hope can be the next gem to emerge from the club's academy. Another 15-year-old Marli Salmon was also introduced in the 66th minute for William Saliba. Arteta said: 'It is a moment to give opportunities and reward them. And they took that chance today in difficult cirumcstances against a very good team. Incredible how at 15 years, they can perform at that level.' Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri despite the loss, described the affair as a good test for his team. 'It's only 20 days into the preparation work, and against one of the strongest teams in Europe,' added the Italian tactician. The Milan-Arsenal clash – both sides' first official match of their pre-season – is part of the 2025 Singapore Festival of Football, which is the first instalment in a five-year partnership between promoters TEG Sport and the Singapore Tourism Board that will see top European clubs play in Singapore in 2025, 2027 and 2029. Arsenal's Kai Havertz (left) tussles with AC Milan's Davide Bartesaghi during a pre-season friendly at the National Stadium on July 23. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM The crowd figures are believed to be the second lowest for a pre-season fixture held here with the 0-0 stalemate between Everton and Stoke City in 2015 drawing an estimated 15,000 crowd. The Gunners faithful will next be able to catch their heroes in the flesh when Arsenal conduct an open training session on July 25, before they face English League Cup champions Newcastle United two days later, both at the National Stadium. The Singapore Festival of Football was last held in July 2023, when Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and German giants Bayern Munich played a series of friendlies at the National Stadium. Bayern beat Liverpool 4-3 in front of a 49,983 crowd then, while 25,095 spectators witnessed Spurs' 5-1 win over Singapore Premier League outfit Lion City Sailors. This is Milan's first visit to Singapore, while Arsenal last came in 2018 for the International Champions Cup, where they faced Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid in front of a 23,095 crowd. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta named a strong starting line-up that featured German forward Kai Havertz, Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli, French centre-back William Saliba and debutant Christian Norgaard, a summer signing from Brentford. Another new signing Martin Zubimendi made his debut when he came on at half-time. On rumoured signing Gyokeres, Arteta kept mum and said he would not speak about a player that is not with the group. Milan meanwhile had their stars on show too with Portugal winger Rafael Leao captaining a side that included American winger Christian Pulisic and former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori. The opening 45 minutes, however, offered little excitement apart from fleeting moments of brilliance from Saka and the silky footwork of teenage midfielder Ethan Nwaneri. Arteta then made six changes at half-time with Arsenal finding the eventual winner seven minutes after the break. Despite the low scoring affair, those in attendance still had a night out to remember. Husband and wife Muhammad Shaharudeen, 28, and Aminah Beevi, 23, were in matching Arsenal jerseys and high spirits. The duo chose to watch Arsenal's match up against the Italian side, and will be giving their game against Newcastle United on Sunday a miss. Shaharudeen said: 'As much as Arsenal has a legacy, AC Milan has one too, so it's a privilege to see these two big giants going against each other. 'We're most excited to see Declan Rice, and of course we hope to see Kai Havertz score a goal and perform his signature celebration,' he added, referring to how the forward often sticks his thumbs to his temples while he waves his hands. Many fans flew from neighbouring countries to catch the match, including about 400 Indonesia AC Milan diehards who made their presence felt throughout the stadium with thunderous cheers and drumming. Among them was Rio Habibi, 38, who flew to Singapore for a four-day trip just to watch the team he has supported for 13 years. 'AC Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and we have had legendary players like Kaka and Paolo Maldini,' said Rio, who added that favourite player is now winger Christian Pulisic due to his skill.
