Pulisic hits back at former United States players over absence criticism
AC Milan's Christian Pulisic said while he opted out of the Gold Cup, he had offered to play in the recent friendlies but was rejected. PHOTO: AFP
– United States captain Christian Pulisic has defended his decision to skip the Concacaf Gold Cup and said those questioning his commitment to the national team were 'way out of line'.
Pulisic, who played 50 games for AC Milan in the recently concluded season, said taking time to rest and recover was the right call for him and the team with the World Cup coming to the US, Mexico and Canada next year.
Yunus Musah and Antonee Robinson are also skipping the June 14-July 6 Gold Cup despite not being injured, according to USA Today. Weston McKennie and Tim Weah are on Club World Cup duty for Juventus with Giovanni Reyna also in that tournament for Borussia Dortmund.
Former US stalwarts Landon Donovan and Alexi Lalas were among those criticising players who decided to skip the tournament and their comments did not sit well with Pulisic.
'When it comes to those guys, it is tough because I looked up to those guys growing up, some of these guys were my idols, and I respect them so much as players,' the 26-year-old told CBS Sports podcast on June 12.
'It's tough especially when some of them privately, the way they talk to me and clearly want to show support and be a friend and then they say something different publicly.
'Of all things, you can talk about my performances, but to question my commitment to the national team, in my opinion that's way out of line.'
The US suffered a fourth straight defeat on June 10 when they lost 4-0 at home against Switzerland in a friendly.
Pulisic said he had offered to play in that friendly, as well as the 2-1 defeat by Turkey on June 7.
'The only point I would make with that is that I did want to be part of at least the two friendlies,' he said.
'I did speak with the coaches, and I asked and I wanted to be part of the team in whatever capacity I could. They said no; they said they only wanted one roster, and that's a coach's decision. I fully respect that. I didn't understand it, but it is what it is,' he said.
Pulisic said he hoped that fans and pundits who have turned against him would change their views when he returns fit and fresh.
'You know how it is: people forget really quickly. Once I'm back with the national team - I hope - once I'm back with the national team and can play again, score a goal and win a game, people will forget all about this quickly,' he added. AFP, REUTERS
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