Christian Pulisic has become one of AC Milan’s most decisive players and is currently a huge reference point for the USMNT. But the Rossoneri came close to adding another American player to their ranks a few years ago. That person was Anthony Robinson, who is currently a central player at Fulham, but due to health reasons he was unable to move to Milan.
Robinson, 28, recently explained what prevented him from joining the Italian giants in an interview with former England goalkeeper Ben Foster, in which he recalled one of the most delicate moments of his professional career.
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The medical checkup that changed Robinson’s destiny
Robinson came close to becoming AC Milan’s new player in 2020 while playing for Wigan Athletic. However, the deal fell apart after he failed a medical examination in Italy, sparking speculation for years.
“Every time he appeared on TV, the interview was like, ‘Yeah, he failed the medical test in Milan,'” Robinson recalled. The left-back explained that the reason for his injury was that tests revealed a heart abnormality.
I had a heart problem that caused my heart to beat insufficiently and frequently.
“Basically, there was something wrong with his heart. He had ectopic beats, which were inefficient beats, and they were happening too often,” the U.S. player explained.
Doctors said a heart rate of 3 to 5 percent is considered normal for high-performance athletes, but in his case he recorded a heart rate of about 15 percent, which alarmed the medical team in Milan.
Serie A to strengthen medical checks
Robinson also pointed out that Italy’s medical regulations are stricter than in other European countries. “If you go for a medical check in the UK, it might not show up on your EKG, but when you go to Italy, they’re very strict in that regard,” he explained.
Finally, the defender chose to continue his career in England and signed for Fulham, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most complete full-backs and an important player for both the club and the USMNT.
Robinson and Fulham presents
This season, Anthony Robinson has struggled with physical problems and has been limited to 13 appearances between the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, in which he recorded one assist.
But his performances so far confirm his importance. In the 2024/25 season, he made 38 appearances and provided 10 assists, an outstanding figure for a left-back, confirming his importance offensively in Fulham’s system.
Years later, Robinson continues to prove that his setback at AC Milan did not stop his development, but was instead the start of a solid career in English football.
