Christian Pulisic is more likely to move to MLS this summer than Cristiano Ronaldo claims Milan legend
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo controls a ball during the Portugal’s official training on the eve of the group H World Cup soccer match between Portugal and Ghana at the Al Shahaniya SC training site in Al Shahaniya, Qatar, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Massimo Ambrosini has told Christian Pulisic to consider moving to Major League Soccer given his struggles in Serie A this season.
The former Milan midfielder, who praised the American as a top player, suggested that Pulisic is a more realistic target for MLS clubs than Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
According to Ambrosini, Lionel Messi has raised the level of the sport in the USA, which makes it more interesting for soccer stars like Pulisic to play during the peak years of their careers.
Despite rising through the ranks of US soccer, Hershey-born Pulisic is yet to make an appearance in MLS, having left his homeland to breakthrough as a senior international with German Bundesliga side, Borussia Dortmund in 2016.
A move back to the USA has long been discussed for Pulisic given his status in the game as ‘Captain America’ of the USMNT and Ambrosini believes he should think about making the move sooner rather than later.
“Could he go to the MLS? Why not? He’s still got time,” the Italian told BOYLE Sports, who offer football betting on the English Premier League and other major competition. “But it does depend on how the MLS progresses, it’s growing with Lionel Messi there, but when he leaves the level will drop.
“If I were still playing, I would have chosen to go there. When I left AC Milan, I had the opportunity to go to play for Los Angeles Galaxy. The only issue was that I wasn’t a designated player, so the salary was not very good for me. That’s why it was not easy. But I would have gone. I would have enjoyed it.”
Ambrosini, who made 344 league appearances for Milan between 1995 and 2003, shared his concerns with how the season has turned for Mauricio Pochettino’s captain this year in Italy.
“Christian Pulisic is not in a good moment right now,” said Ambrosini. “He started the season incredibly well, every ball he touched was a threat to the opponent. But right now he’s struggling.
“Maybe he’s just taking a breath before the World Cup. Of course, he’s a top-level player and the most important player for the USA.”
Given the rumours that Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah could move to the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo’s future has become a talking point again should the Egyptian arrive to overshadow the Portugal international.
“I don’t think it’s going to be easy for him,” Ambrosini said of the idea that MLS could offer Ronaldo an escape route. “Moving Cristiano is like moving a planet. Not easy.
“Only David Beckham could convince Leo to go to MLS. It would take something as big for Cristiano to go there.”
Ronaldo is expected to star for Portugal at what is likely to be his very last World Cup this summer. It remains to be seen whether an MLS franchise puts forward an offer that can convince the soccer megastar to remain in the USA once the tournament has concluded.
