Christian Pulisic recalled talk follows AC Milan deal and Inter derby goal

Christian Pulisic recalled U.S. national team talk has returned after another decisive moment for AC Milan. The 28-year-old scored the opening goal against Inter on Saturday, shortly after Milan announced his contract extension through 2031.

Pulisic needed less than four minutes to put AC Milan ahead in the San Siro derby, a lead they never relinquished on the way to a 3-1 win. He is now expected to be recalled to the U.S. national team later this week for the first time since the World Cup.

Pulisic makes quick impact after new AC Milan contract

Milan announced Pulisic’s new deal more than 24 hours before Saturday’s derby against Inter, giving the forward a clear show of faith before one of the biggest fixtures in Serie A.

He responded almost immediately. His goal inside the opening four minutes gave Milan control in the twice annual grudge match against the Nerazzurri, and the Rossoneri went on to secure a 3-1 win at San Siro.

The timing added weight to a significant week for Pulisic. A contract running through 2031 gives him the long-term platform he has been seeking in Italy, where he has become one of Milan’s central figures since arriving from Chelsea.

A settled role in Italy after Chelsea and Dortmund moves

Pulisic left England for Italy in 2023 after four years at Chelsea. His move to London in 2019 was worth more than $70 million, following his early rise in Germany with Borussia Dortmund.

He had left Hershey, Pennsylvania for Germany at 16 after signing for Dortmund, beginning a European career that quickly placed him among the most recognisable American footballers of his generation.

At Chelsea, Pulisic helped the club hoist the UEFA Champions League trophy. He scored against Real Madrid in the semi-finals and then became the first American to appear in the final.

His Milan spell has delivered a different kind of profile: consistency and responsibility. Since the start of the 2023-24 season, Pulisic has led the seven-time European champions with 45 goals.

Milan’s headline player amid managerial change

Pulisic has been described as Milan’s top performer from the moment he arrived. That status has held even as the club moved through four managers in his four seasons.

For Milan, the contract extension through 2031 underlines his importance to the current project. For Pulisic, it represents stability after a career already shaped by major moves across Germany, England and Italy.

The derby goal reinforced his value on the pitch. Scoring early against Inter, in one of Serie A’s fiercest fixtures, gave Milan the platform for a result that fits the broader story of his growing influence at the club.

What comes next for Pulisic

Pulisic is expected to be recalled to the U.S. national team later this week, though that return has not yet been confirmed. If it happens, it would be his first call-up since the World Cup.

His club form gives U.S. fans a clear reason to watch the next squad announcement closely. After signing long term with AC Milan and scoring in a 3-1 derby win over Inter, Pulisic’s week has placed him back at the centre of attention for club and country.