Christian Pulisic has hit back at his ‘out of line’ critics and opened up on his USMNT Gold Cup absence.
Pulisic also admitted it ‘sucked‘ not to be included in the roster for the recent friendly fixtures against Turkey and Switzerland.
‘Captain America‘ is widely regarded as the greatest US soccer player of all time. The Milan midfielder has scored 32 times in his 78 appearances for the national side.
Christian Pulisic Explains Gold Cup Absence
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
Last weekend, Landon Donovan blasted USMNT and Milan star Christian Pulisic for pulling out of the Gold Cup roster. Only now has Pulisic explained his reasons for the withdrawal.
“Towards the end of the season, my body just started talking to me, and my mind, and then I started to think ‘what is going to be best for me leading into next year and going into the World Cup?’,” he said on the CBS Sports Podcast.
“Was that to play eight more games and then get no rest at all, go straight into preseason [with Milan] and then grind another year and go straight into the World Cup? That’s not what I felt was best for my body.”
However, Pulisic did confess he was more than happy to participate in June’s international friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland.
It was decided that Pulisic would not be part of the roster. He went on to explain his disappointment but respected the coach’s decision.
“Obviously, it sucked for me to miss out with the team. I want to be a part of the team always.”
“I’d wanted to be a part of at least the two friendlies. I did speak with the coaches, and then I asked, and I wanted to be a part of the team and whatever capacity I could. And they said no. They said they only wanted one roster.
“And that’s the coach’s decision,” he added. “I fully respect that. I didn’t understand it, but it is what it is.”
Christian Pulisic On His Gold Cup Critics
“To question my commitment, especially towards the national team, in my opinion that’s way out of line.” 🎙️🇺🇸
Christian Pulisic when asked about the criticism from former players like Landon Donovan.
(via @GolazoAmerica) pic.twitter.com/QsmZqrPUhd
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) June 12, 2025
After Landon Donovan aimed a subtle dig at Christian Pulisic, the Milan midfielder’s dad was quick to remind Donovan of his own sabbatical in 2013 via an Instagram post.
Only now has Pulisic gone public after Donovan and Clint Dempsey displayed their displeasure at Pulisic’s absence. They even went on to question his commitment to the USMNT side.
“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.
“And it’s tough, especially when you know some of them as well. Privately, the way they talk to me and clearly want to show support, and, be your friend and everything.
“And then they say something slightly different publicly. And that’s, that’s fine. It doesn’t hurt me. Am I surprised by it? I don’t know, not really. People are always going to have their opinions.”
“To question my commitment, especially towards the national team, in my opinion that’s that’s way out of line,” Pulisic said.
“I’ve never missed a game in all my years in the national team due to anything but an injury. I want to be there at all times. Sometimes you have to make decisions.
“This is the right decision, like I said, for myself and for the team. At the end of the day, people will see that.”
What Other USMNT Stars Will Miss The Gold Cup?
The USMNT remains one of the 2025 Gold Cup favorites with a number of the best offshore sportsbooks. However, will Mauricio Pochettino’s side struggle without a number of key players?
Pulisic will be regarded as the biggest miss. Juventus stars Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah will be representing the Old Lady at the upcoming Club World Cup instead of the US.
Antonee Robinson and Folarin Balogun pulled out through injury. Other notable absentees include Norwich forward Josh Sargent and Feyenoord’s Sergino Dest.
