Christian Pulisic has said he would not be where he is today without Borussia Dortmund, after it was confirmed the USA international will join Chelsea in summer 2019.

The 20-year-old enjoyed his career breakthrough with Dortmund and, in the three years since, has established himself as one of Europe's most exciting young players and conceivably the best the US has ever produced.

Following confirmation of his impending departure, Pulisic wrote a heartfelt letter of thanks to BVB and its fans, abridged below.

Watch: Christian Pulisic's top 3 Bundesliga goals

Dear Borussen,

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I will be entering my final months at (y)our world-famous club.

It feels like only yesterday that I arrived in Dortmund as a raw, excited, very nervous but exceptionally proud 16-year-old from a small American town called Hershey. I had no idea what lay ahead but I soon discovered that as a young Schwarzgelben, I would be in the best possible hands.

I would not be where I am today without the club and their belief in giving young players a chance. It’s been an honor and a dream to pull on the black-and-yellow in front of the Südtribüne.

Many, many memorable moments stand out - to have experienced all of them before my 20th birthday still feels, at times, like a dream. I would like to thank all those coaches who I have played under and who gave me these opportunities.

And to my amazing teammates throughout the years: You took me in as a young boy, shared your experience with me, helped me to develop and grow into a professional footballer. For this I sincerely thank you.

To or unbelievable fans: It’s been a privilege to stand with you on the Südtribüne and to experience how you support your heroes. I feel honored to have been able to make the trip from being supporter, to being supported. You have taken me in as one of your own. Thank you.

I would also like to thank Mr. Watze and Mr. Zorc. It was very important to me that I handled my situation as fair and in a professional manner as possible towards the club. So I thank them for finding a solution that was a win-win for everyone.

In summer 2019, I move on to Chelsea and to a new competition […] but for the next six months, it’s all BVB! Please do not doubt my passion, determination and my 110% commitment to the team right until the last ball is kicked this season. We all feel that this is 'our year' and we are determined to achieve the best possible results in all competitions.

Heja BVB!

Christian #22

Click here for more Borussia Dortmund news, views and features!

Want more Bundesliga Action?

GET THE UPDATES!

About the clubs

Borussia Dortmund

SIGNAL IDUNA PARK