Pulisic on being termed 'wonderboy': 'I don't see myself as that label anymore'
Christian Pulisic has been in the public spotlight for more than a few years now. He just signed with Chelsea for a $73 million transfer fee, a record for an American player.
So it’s understandable that he doesn’t want to be seen as an “up-and-coming” star anymore. He has arrived.
In an interview with ESPN, Pulisic made that clear.
"The reason I just don't like to hear [the term ‘wonderboy’] anymore is because I feel like now I've been a part of this enough," he said. "And I think I've earned my spots in teams and shouldn't just be looked at as just a prodigy."
Pulisic added that he “doesn’t see himself as that label anymore.”
A star regardless of age
At 20 years old, Pulisic is the undeniable star of men’s soccer in the United States. He is making headways overseas with his new club, scoring two goals in a preseason friendly on Wednesday.
Christian Pulisic has just scored his first goal in a Chelsea shirt. May it be first of many 👊🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/GersL4Sfh0
— roger bennett (@rogbennett) July 31, 2019
The reality is that Pulisic, who made 127 appearances for the German club Borussia Dortmund before transferring to Chelsea, might be looked at differently because he is an American player. There are few stars in the United States who have the potential that Pulisic has.
Thus, the term “wonderboy” is used casually to describe Pulisic by broadcasters, writers and fans alike. But he evidently believes that the term connotes the sense that he has yet to fully mature. He is a star, regardless of age.
Pulisic will definitely be challenged making the switch to the Premier League. But, he is right. He has earned his spot at Chelsea, and it sounds like he would be happy to be treated as just another Premier League player and not a prodigy.
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