- Pulisic responds to criticism from former USA players.
- He defends his decision to prioritize rest for long-term performance.
- Other key players also miss the Gold Cup due to injuries and club duties.
- Pulisic looks ahead, hoping to win back fans with future performances.
Pulisic’s Fiery Response: ‘They’re Way Out of Line!’
AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic, 26, didn’t hold back when addressing the backlash he received for skipping the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Some former USA stars, like Landon Donovan, openly questioned his dedication. But Pulisic isn’t having it.
“You can talk about my performances, whatever you want, but to question my commitment, especially towards the national team? In my opinion, that’s way out of line,” Pulisic stated. Ouch!
The Idol Factor: When Heroes Become Haters
What makes the criticism sting even more? Pulisic admits he looked up to many of these former players. “It is tough because I looked up to those guys growing up. Some of those guys were my idols, and I respect them so much as players.”
He even hinted at some hypocrisy, noting that some critics offer support privately but sing a different tune in public. Talk about a betrayal!
Body vs. Country: Why Pulisic Chose Rest
So, why did Pulisic skip the Gold Cup? He says his body needed a break after a grueling season. “Towards the second half and the end of the season, my body just started talking to me,” he explained.
He weighed the pros and cons, ultimately deciding that rest was crucial for his long-term performance, especially with the World Cup on the horizon. Was it a smart move, or a missed opportunity to represent his nation?
Who Else is Missing? It’s Not Just Pulisic!
Pulisic isn’t the only big name absent from the Gold Cup. Fulham defender Antonee Robinson is recovering from injuries, and Milan midfielder Yunus Musah is out for personal reasons. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Giovanni Reyna are tied up with Club World Cup duties.
Missing key players is a big loss to the team. How far can the team go without this kind of talent?
Friendlies Snub? Pulisic Claims He Wanted To Play
Pulisic claims he offered to play in friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland, but the coaches declined. “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.”
He said he didn’t understand it but it is what it is. That must have been difficult.
Winning Back the Fans: Pulisic’s Promise
Despite the criticism, Pulisic remains optimistic. He believes he can win back the fans by performing well in future games. “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.”
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