Christian Pulisic: Former USMNT critics 'way out of line' - ESPN

AC Milan and United States men's national team midfielder Christian Pulisic said that comments from former U.S. players criticizing him for opting to skip the Concacaf Gold Cup are «way out of line,» and he added that he has no regrets about his decision.

Pulisic decided last month to allow his body to get some rest after two consecutive seasons for Milan that saw him play at least 50 matches.

The decision was made with an emphasis on being ready for next year's FIFA World Cup, and was made in consultation with U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino and other U.S. Soccer staff members.

The news sparked a backlash from fans and former U.S. players, with former U.S. international Landon Donovan saying players skipping the Gold Cup is «pissing me off.»

That resulted in a response from Pulisic's father Mark, who noted Donovan's own break from the national team during his career.

Speaking on the «Call It What You Want» podcast on the GolazoNetwork, Christian Pulisic said in response to those comments, «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.»

He added that the level of respect he had for former U.S. players made the comments even harder to take.

«When it comes to those guys, I don't know, I guess it is tough because I looked up to those guys growing up,» he said. «Some of these guys were my idols and I respect them so much as players.

»And it's tough, especially when some of them as well, even privately, the way they talk to me and clearly want to show support and be your friend and everything, and then it goes and they say something slightly different publicly and that's fine.

«It doesn't hurt me. Am I