U.S. men’s national team attacker Christian Pulisic stated that former players should not question his commitment to the team after deciding to forego participation in the Concacaf Gold Cup, a choice that has come under scrutiny due to remarks from retired star Landon Donovan.

Over the weekend, Donovan accused players who were absent from the Gold Cup roster of opting for “a vacation” instead of representing their country, expressing that the situation “pisses me off”. While he did not specify names, it was implied that Pulisic was the target of these comments, as he chose to skip this summer’s tournament after a demanding two-year span of over 100 games for both club and country.

U.S. Soccer highlighted that this decision was made in May to ensure Pulisic gets the necessary rest leading up to the World Cup in 2026.

Pulisic responded in an interview on CBS Sports Golazo Network’s “Call It What You Want” this Thursday, explaining the rationale behind his decision and addressing the backlash he’s received.

‘I try to stay away from it’

“I try to avoid it as much as possible,” Pulisic acknowledged, later conceding that comments from respected figures like Donovan are difficult to disregard.

When asked about the situation, Pulisic expressed, “I mean, when it comes to those guys, I guess it is tough because I looked up to those guys growing up. Some of those guys were my idols, and I respect them immensely as players. It’s challenging, especially when they privately support me and then express different sentiments publicly. Does it hurt me? Am I shocked by it? Not really. Opinions will always vary, but ultimately, I focus on bettering myself and making the best choices for the team.”

‘Donovan was out of line’

Pulisic acknowledged that criticism is part of professional sports but believes questioning his dedication to the national team is unjustified.

“You can scrutinize my performance, however you wish, but questioning my commitment, particularly towards the national team, is out of line in my view. People often forget quickly. I hope to return to the national team, score goals, and help us win – and then the negativity will fade away, as it inevitably does,” Pulisic added.

The Need for Rest

Pulisic elaborated that as the season progressed, his body was signaling the need for recovery. “Considering the end of the season, my body started telling me, ‘What’s the best approach leading into next year and the World Cup?’ I realized that playing eight additional matches without any respite wasn’t ideal for my condition.”

Pulisic refrained from naming Donovan but criticized the narrative surrounding the issue, stating it has created unnecessary division within the USMNT community.

He summed up his thoughts by saying, “I just don’t see why many feel compelled to share opinions when they have faced similar challenges themselves. Creating rifts among fans and the team serves no purpose.”

Coach’s Decision

Pulisic stated that he expressed the desire to participate in two friendlies but was directed by coach Mauricio Pochettino that only one roster was to be used. “I wanted to contribute, but the coach’s decision was to keep it to one group. I respected that, even if I didn’t understand it. I had to prioritize my health and, in the long term, what was best for the team, even if not everyone perceives it that way.”

The Communication with Pochettino

Pulisic noted that his interaction with Pochettino has been different compared to past coaches, emphasizing they are generally on the same page, despite minimal dialogue. He expressed his support for the team and the promising opportunity for new players joining.

In a concluding statement, Pulisic asserted, “I’ve never missed a game for the national team because of anything aside from injury. I strive to be available at all times. Sometimes, tough decisions have to be made.”

Pulisic detailed his commitment to the national team, emphasizing he would have preferred to be part of the friendlies to maintain connection with the team.

Supporting the USMNT from a Distance

Despite stepping back, he remains a fervent supporter, continually watching and staying engaged with the team’s progress.

Pulisic ended by refuting the claim that the team does not care about the outcomes, stating, “It’s unfair to label us as indifferent. We are committed and working towards improvement.”