American Christian Pulisic has now completed his first round of interviews as a member of Chelsea, and during his media opportunities he said that he hopes to emulate Blues superstar Eden Hazard. Pulisic, who was acquired from Borussia Dortmund for €64m in January (on the agreement he would move to west London at the end of the season), is the most expensive U.S. born player in history.
The Pennsylvania native also said that he hopes to be an inspiration to American youth. Recently, Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said that he expects Pulisic to help grow the club’s fan base in America. First though about Hazard, who is widely believed to be off to Real Madrid once the UEFA Europa League final concludes.
“It is incredible to see what Eden can do,” Pulisic told BBC Sport. “He is a guy to look up to and what I would love to become. It is definitely a goal. Any player would be dumb not to want to be in the same team as him.”
It could be that Pulisic might just have to fill the void left by Hazard, as he plays the same position, and Chelsea might not be able to acquire any new players in the next two transfer windows. Pulisic even dropped a hint last week that Hazard is on his way out.
Of course, as one window closes, another opens, and now comes the chance for the man nicknamed “Wonder Boy” by Alexi Lalas to establish himself at Stamford Bridge, and perhaps also inspire the next generation of American soccer players.
“I don’t want to be looked at as someone who is the youngest to do this or that. I just want to be an established player and someone people respect, who is successful in this league,” Pulisic added.
“It is completely new to me and something not a lot of American players have experienced. It is a blessing to be in this position, so I can inspire American kids, to show them we can do it too.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” regularly appears on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
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