When Santiago Gimenez made the high-profile switch to Milan during the winter transfer window, the excitement surrounding the Mexican striker’s arrival was undeniable. He had been tearing it up in the Eredivisie, and fans hoped he would help propel the Rossoneri into the top four and spearhead a Champions League run.
But things didn’t unfold as expected. Though Gimenez showed flashes of promise, he encountered the harsh realities of adapting to Serie A and life in one of the world’s most demanding soccer environments. Now, the forward has opened up about his early experiences—including a chilling six-word warning about what it means to wear the red and black of San Siro. The message came from someone who understood the pressure firsthand: Christian Pulisic.
What Pulisic said wasn’t simply about soccer tactics or locker room culture—it was a deeply sobering insight into the ruthless expectations of Il Diavolo fans, one that stuck with the 24-year-old and shaped his perception of the club from day one.
Legacy of a giant
In a revealing new interview with GQ Mexico, Gimenez offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his days at Milan, including the moment Pulisic tried to prepare him for what was to come. The American winger, who had experienced both highs and lows during his two campaigns in Italy, didn’t sugarcoat it.
“Milan are a club that has won seven Champions Leagues and I don’t know how many other cups, so many. It’s one of the most important clubs in history and the fans are used to winning,” he said.
Then came the striking part: Pulisic warned him that even finishing second wasn’t enough. “They don’t settle for second place. Last season they came in second and Pulisic told me that people would crucify them anyway. Imagine now… it’s a very complicated situation for Milan,” the Mexican added. The six-word warning—”They don’t settle for second place”—summed up everything.
Under pressure, but feeling the passion
Gimenez’s debut was far from seamless. Despite a strong start, his performances became inconsistent, and whispers began to surface about potential new striker signings, with names like Mateo Retegui and Dusan Vlahovic linked to Milan. Still, there remains a belief within the club that he has more to offer—especially under new head coach Massimiliano Allegri, who is expected to evaluate him closely during the pre-season.
Yet what struck Gimenez the most wasn’t just the pressure—it was how Milan’s unique environment transforms players. “But that’s the measure with which Milan fans judge you. Being champion or being champion, and this responsibility makes you a winner. It infects you, the people infect you,” the striker explained. “Next season is simply this: thinking about winning the Scudetto.”
