Christian Pulisic Defends Skipping CONCACAF Gold Cup; Calls Out Unfair Criticism
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Christian Pulisic defended skipping the CONCACAF Gold Cup for rest after a long AC Milan season, criticizing former players like Landon Donovan for questioning his commitment.
USA winger Christian Pulisic has defended his decision to skip the CONCACAF Gold Cup, asserting that 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, stated that taking time to rest and recover was the best decision for both himself and the team, especially with the World Cup coming to the U.S., Mexico, and Canada next year.
According to USA Today, Yunus Musah and Antonee Robinson are also skipping the Gold Cup, which runs from June 14 to July 6, despite not being injured.
Former U.S. stalwarts Landon Donovan and Alexi Lalas were among those criticising players who opted out of the tournament, and their comments did not sit well with Pulisic.
Christian Pulisic reveals that he DID want to be with the USMNT for the two friendlies against Türkiye and Switzerland — but said the federation wanted commitment for the entire summer through the Gold Cup. pic.twitter.com/3NTwQFsHPY — USMNT Only (@usmntonly) June 12, 2025
'It's 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 said on the CBS Sports podcast on Thursday.
'It's difficult, especially when some of them privately express support and friendship, then say something different publicly.
'You can discuss my performances, but to question my commitment to the national team, in my opinion, that's way out of line."
The U.S. suffered its fourth consecutive defeat on Tuesday, losing 4-0 at home against Switzerland in a friendly.
First Published:
June 13, 2025, 23:26 IST
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