Criticisms regarding Christian Pulisic's dedication to the U.S. national team deemed overboard by the soccer star himself.
In the soccer world, Christian Pulisic's decision to skip the summer's Gold Cup has gotten everyone talking - and not necessarily in a good way. Pulisic has been unflinching about his choice, using a recent interview to informally call out those questioning his commitment to the national team as going way overboard.
In the hot seat, the star player sat down with the CBS Sports Golazo Network's "Call It What You Want" for his first interview since making the decision. And he didn't just leave stones unturned when it came to those criticizing him.
Landon Donovan, former US soccer great, was among those expressing displeasure with Pulisic's choice. "This is what representing your country means. He’s old, played a long, hard season. He's tired. Some of our guys are on vacation, refusing to play in the Gold Cup, and it's pissing me off," Donovan said during the FOX broadcast of the UEFA Nations League title.
But Pulisic didn't hold back in his response, acknowledging the criticism but firing back at his critics. "You can talk about my performances, whatever you want," Pulisic said, "But to question my commitment, especially towards the national team, in my opinion, that's way out of line."
Typical of the divide this decision has created, Tyler Adams maintains that the USMNT is not overly concerned about "outside noise" from former players.
Pulisic's decision came after listening to his body towards the end of the season with AC Milan. As he explained, "My body just started talking to me, and my mind. And I started to think, ‘What is gonna be best for me leading into next year and going into the World Cup?'" Adding a thoughtful caveat, Pulisic went on to say, "I had to make the best decision for myself, and also in the long run for my team."
When asked about the friendly matches against Türkiye and Switzerland, meant as warm-ups before the Gold Cup, Pulisic said he asked the USMNT coaches if he could participate. The staff told him no, with Pulisic acknowledging they wanted "one roster" for the friendlies and the Gold Cup.
"I fully respect that," Pulisic explained, "I didn't understand it, but it is what it is."
Despite the criticism, Pulisic shared that it's particularly tough to hear it from former players, especially when they've played a significant role in shaping his career. "I looked up to those guys growing up," he said "Some of these guys were my idols. I respect them so much as players."
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As Pulisic prepares for the 2026 World Cup, the controversy surrounding his decision to skip the Gold Cup will undoubtedly persist. While some see it as an act of self-preservation, others view it as an abdication of commitment. Regardless of opinion, Pulisic's stance on his commitment to the national team remains steadfast, and he looks towards the future with determination.
Sources:1. Christian Pulisic: Old-school mentality is dead when it comes to national team2. Christian Pulisic Fires Back at His Critics After Skipping Gold Cup3. Pulisic's decision to skip Gold Cup draws criticism4. Why Christian Pulisic is skipping the 2024 Gold Cup for the U.S. Men's National Team5. Christian Pulisic skips Gold Cup in preparation for 2026 World Cup
Alexi Lalas, a renowned sports analyst, may find himself sharing opinions on the escalating debate surrounding Christian Pulisic's commitment to the US Men's National Team (USMNT), given the controversy stemming from Pulisic's decision to skip the Gold Cup. As some former players question Pulisic's commitment, he has maintained his stance, stating, "To question my commitment, especially towards the national team, in my opinion, that's way out of line." Meanwhile, the American Footballapedal, Landon Donovan, was among those expressing dissatisfaction with Pulisic's choice, sparking a heated discourse that delves into the realms of professional sports, NFL-style American Football, and football (soccer).
