Pulisic expresses relief after breaking goal drought and says 'I want to stay at Milan'

MILAN (AP) — United States international Christian Pulisic says it was a “big relief” to get his first club goal of 2026 and that he wants to stay at AC Milan amid ongoing contract talks.

Pulisic has struggled this calendar year and all 10 of his goals for Milan last season came before January.

But he finally broke his drought in a 3-0 win over Lecce on Sept. 20, in the last match before the international break.

“Yeah, it was a big relief for me for sure to just get a goal. It’s been a while for Milan, so it felt really nice,” Pulisic told reporters ahead of a meet and greet with fans at the club’s shop at San Siro on Thursday.

Pulisic, the top American player, was left off the U.S. roster for four friendly matches, with the midfielder only having recently come back from injury — he sustained a bone bruise along with microfractures to his tibia and fibula when the U.S. exited the World Cup in a loss to Belgium in July.

As he returned to fitness, Pulisic found himself in the odd position of being on the bench for Milan’s first three matches of the Serie A season.

The 28-year-old Pulisic then came on as a substitute against Lazio, and provided an assist as he sparked a Milan comeback in a 2-2 draw. Pulisic, who says he’s “getting back to form now,” started the next match and scored.

“The start of the season was a bit strange for me — obviously, I always want to play,” Pulisic said. "It’s not that I’m really angry … but I always want to play.

“But then again, I was also coming back from this injury. So now I feel good. I hope I can play a bit more, too.”

Pulisic has also had to get used to a new coach, with Rúben Amorim having replaced the fired Massimiliano Allegri in the offseason.

“The first months have been good, working with him, getting to know his system and how we’re going to play,” Pulisic said. “I have a great relationship with him so far and yeah, I’m just enjoying the time.”

Pulisic’s contract expires at the end of the season, although Milan has the option to extend for another year.

Italian media reports that Milan is keen to tie Pulisic to the club until 2031. The midfielder was reticent to talk about details, only laughingly admitting that he is in talks with the club.

“I can only say that I am very happy at Milan right now and for the near future as well,” Pulisic added. “So, yeah I’m not thinking about the contract renewal but I am very happy here, I want to stay at Milan.”

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AC Milan's Christian Pulisic greets supporters as he is substituted during the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Lecce, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

AC Milan's Christian Pulisic celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Lecce, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

AC Milan's Christian Pulisic celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Lecce, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

AC Milan's Christian Pulisic scores their opening goal during the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Lecce, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

AC Milan's Christian Pulisic celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Lecce, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

LONDON (AP) — Police on Thursday arrested a dual U.K.-Iranian national on suspicion of plotting a terror attack following a security incident at a U.S.-run military air base in England that British authorities have linked to Tehran.

The 27-year-old man was arrested in London on Thursday, and police have searched two properties in the U.K. capital, Counter Terrorism Policing said in a statement.

A 26-year-old British national was interviewed by police “under caution,” which means the interview was recorded and can be used in future prosecutions.

On Sunday, five men, all British nationals in their 20s and from London, were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terror offenses close to the RAF Fairford air base, which has been used by American bombers to strike Iran. The suspects have since been released on bail.

Police say they found a quantity of an accelerant – gasoline – in three vans linked to the five suspects, but no explosives.

Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counter terrorism policing, said the investigation “is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of inquiry.

“As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles — including possible foreign state involvement,” she said.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the U.K. sees “strong indications” that Iran played a part in the incident. Iran denies involvement.

The base 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of London has been used by American bombers during decades of conflicts in the Middle East, including this year’s war with Iran.

Top U.S. officials have criticized the decision to grant five suspects bail, with President Donald Trump saying “I wouldn’t have done that” and Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying a lot of people were “disturbed” by the move.

Burnham said authorities have the investigation under “the strongest grip and the closest control,” and British officials had been “talking to counterparts in the United States all week to explain what is happening here, how things are being done.”

U.K. officials say proxies linked to Iran have been behind a string of arsons and other attacks in Britain and other countries, many of them targeting the Jewish community and intended to sow fear. They have previously warned that Tehran could expand its targets in the U.K. if conflicts in the Middle East continue.

Police officers stand at a checkpoint near RAF Fairford air base, in Fairford, England Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

A B-1 bomber takes off from RAF Fairford in Fairford, England, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)