How do you chill?

I listen to music, I like American rap and other stuff including country and western. I play a bit of guitar, play chess and talk to my friends and family back home in Pennsylvania.

Who are your best friends in football?

Nick Taitague and Danny Barbir are guys I’m always in touch with. Danny is a defender who was at Manchester City and West Brom here as a kid who is now at Sporting Kansas City. Nick played at Schalke in Germany but picked up an injury so he is looking at doing other things now. They’re guys who have always been there for me.

What has been your go-to film or TV programme during lockdown?

I don’t really watch that much TV but I suppose it’s a series called Outer Banks. It’s quite interesting, a bit of childish escapism really, but it’s about a group of kids who discover a treasure map and lots of plot twists.

Pulisic admits he is a huge chess fan and has a bishop piece stitched into his boots

Pulisic admits he is a huge chess fan and has a bishop piece stitched into his boots

Who is your most difficult opponent?

It’s difficult to pinpoint one person. There are a lot of good defences across the board, some very solid teams that are tough to break down. 

I did seem to get a few extra kicks against Porto in the CL last season. Games like that I’m like ‘Man, really? I can’t escape this pressure!’ But it happens, you just have to get on with it.

What’s your favourite place to eat in London?

I’m so looking forward to getting out for meals now that places are starting to open up again. It’s been tough to see at times. 

There is one restaurant near The Bridge on Fulham Road called Gola. It’s a nice little Italian spot. 

I like the pasta and pizza there but also trying some of the salads they do.

Who has the best nickname at Chelsea?

There’s nothing too crazy or inventive that I can think of. Most of it is a basic abbreviation of names, you know ‘Pully’, ‘Cally’, N’Golo gets ‘NG’, that’s about as exciting as it gets.

Has Thomas Tuchel changed much from the coach you knew at Borussia Dortmund?

No. I’d say he’s pretty consistent with the coach I knew from Germany. He’s very competitive.

Is there a favourite attraction or location you like to escape to in London?

I sometimes like to go for a run at Wimbledon and Richmond Park when I need to clear my head. It’s a really beautiful part of London.

What is the detail on the back of your new boots?

I have a bishop chess piece on the back of my boots. I enjoy chess and I chose it as it’s my favourite piece – it always comes in handy during games.

What’s your favourite position?

I’ve played at wing-back for the team and on the wing but I enjoy playing in the attacking third, whether that’s as a ten or in the half space behind the striker I like to be able to affect the game there.

What are your goals for this season?

To win more titles with Chelsea. After the Champions League we are excited to kick on. 

We have a great squad, there are more guys coming in, so fight for every title that’s our goal. I think with the US we need to qualify for the World Cup but then the sky’s the limit. 

It’s awesome that we have so many good young players coming through and playing in the top leagues across Europe. I’m so proud to be part of that.

To celebrate the new partnership, PUMA has teamed up with boot customiser Silni to produce a special pair of ULTRA 1.3’s, that Christian will debut in the Super Cup final at Windsor Park, Belfast on August 11.

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