Christian Pulisic Discusses Recent Controversy

Hear what Pulisic had to say revolving the controversy of his absence from the United States Men's National Team.

Photo Courtesy of J. Alexander Dolan

After coming under fire for his absence from the United States Men’s National Team, midfielder Christian Pulisic took time to explain the decision when he joined Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola’s CBS Sports Golazo podcast, “Call It What You Want”.

Following a grueling season with Italian side AC Milan that saw Pulisic tally 11 goals and 11 assists in 34 appearances that saw Milan finish eighth in Serie A, finish runner-up in Coppa Italia, and take home the Supercoppa Italiana title.

On top of a long season, Pulisic and Milan saw a coaching change around the middle of the season and are set to play under a new coach come the start of the 2025-2026 Serie A season.

It’s something that’s taken a toll on him throughout the year.

“Physically and mentally, it’s always tough,” he said.”With the amount of games we play and with everything going on at the club. It’s hard for people to see from the outside. There’s definitely a lot of pressure on us. Especially at a club like Milan, when things aren't going as they expect…it can take a big toll on you. We went through a lot this year, but I’m excited for the future.”

While many have criticized Pulisic’s decision to take a break from the United States National Team this summer, the star midfielder took time to explain the reasoning behind his absence.

“Towards the second half and the end of the season, my body just started talking to me and my mind,” Pulisic said. “I started to think what is best for me leading into the next year and going into the World Cup. Was that to play eight more games and get no rest at all, go straight into preseason and grind another year, and go straight into the World Cup? That’s not what I thought was best for my body.”

While Pulisic felt he needed rest this summer, he revealed he attempted to represent the United States during the two international friendlies against Türkiye and Switzerland, but the staff said no.

“I did want to be a part of the two friendlies,” he said. “I did speak with the coaches, and I asked. I wanted to be a part of the team in any aspect I could. They said no. They only wanted one roster. That’s the coach's decision, and I fully respect that. I didn’t understand it, but it is what it is.”

Following his decision to take a step back, Pulisic has been on the receiving end of endless criticism. The biggest came from USMNT legend Landon Donovan. Following Portugal’s UEFA Nations League win, Donovan addressed the situation.

While Portugal was emotionally celebrating their win, Donovan said, “This is what it means to represent your country, and if you don’t want to take this seriously and responsibly, don’t come in.”

Donovan then turned the conversation to 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who played a role in Portugal’s win.

“He’s 40-years-old. He’s played a long ass season. He’s tired. He’s out there grinding, hurt himself in the process, Donovan said. “I can’t help but think about some of our guys who are on vacation right now and not wanting to play in the Gold Cup.”

While Pulisic stated he doesn’t let criticism get to him much, he did say it was tough to hear the response from USMNT legends to his decisions.

“It’s tough. I looked up to those guys. Growing up, some of these guys were my idols, Pulisic said. “I respect them so much as players. It’s tough when some of them, 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.”

Pulisic’s decision has led to many questioning his commitment to the USMNT, which is something he calls “out of line”.

“Of all things, you can talk about my performances,” he said. “To question my commitment, especially to the national team, in my opinion, that’s way out of line but you know how it is.”

In the end, it’s a decision Pulisic has no regrets and looks forward to using the time off as a way to prepare for the upcoming season with AC Milan and work toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.