The AC Milan American forward, Christian Pulisic, has granted an exclusive interview to those at Men's Journal recently regarding his current form, the World Cup, and more.
Here are his statements:
Is it starting to kind of feel like "go time" a little bit with the World Cup coming up?
"Yeah, obviously, it’s our last chance to really kind of prepare last camp to get a couple games in, see some guys, and get ready for the big event, which is obviously coming up. And it gives us a good opportunity to kind of see where we’re at and get well prepared. But it does feel like it’s getting closer."
What was your 2022 World Cup experience like?
"It was incredible, honestly. I felt like I learned so much about myself, about the game, about the team. I mean, I think we did a really great job at certain points to getting where we did. Yeah, I think we can learn off of, you know, playing in a big knockout game against a big team. So it was really the biggest, you know, the best memories I have, though, are just being at the hotel around the guys, just knowing what a big moment that is. It’s just something you dream of as a kid, and now to be there, it’s really incredible. And now to have this opportunity in our whole country, we’re just very excited."
On another note, you’re doing some filming today with AT&T. What do you have going on:
"I’m not exactly sure what all I can give away, obviously. But AT&T has been a big partner of U.S. soccer for a while now and they’ve really been big on soccer as a whole, which is great. It’s been a really good partnership so far and we’re moving forward with some big stuff coming up."
Mauricio Pochettino recently had some comments about your play at AC Milan, including your goal drought. He was very supportive and said he was happy with your performance overall. How much do words like that mean?
"I appreciate the support always. I’m not too concerned about it. I really do feel like I’m in a good spot and also playing well. So it’s been kind of an interesting time. I always get the feeling that you can be playing very poorly, and if you score a few goals, people will rave about you. And the opposite can be true. And you just have to go along. This is just how the career goes, ups and downs. I’m just trying to continue playing well being in a good place physically and feeling good. And that’s the most important thing," said Pulisic.
When you look at his system and the way he does things, how is it different or similar to ones that you’ve played in before, either with the with the national team or over in Europe?
"Yeah, I mean, I think we’ve used a few different, you know, sort of formations, but I think he brings just a different dynamic to the team. Just bringing that fighting spirit, that kind of nastiness to the team. Building a really strong culture and group of guys who are going to fight, fight to the death. And I think that’s where it feels like we’ve grown the most."
U.S. soccer just released the kits for the 2026 World Cup. What do you think of them and what has been your favorite American kit to wear? Pulisic replied:
"First of all, I think they absolutely nailed the kits. I think they look great. I think the players had a lot of say in it as well, which was really cool. I think one of my favorite kits ever with the national team was the pinstripes, which i thought was a great kit and they kind of went back to that. So that was one of my favorite ones I ever wore and now to kind of have another variation of that. I think it looks really clean, really nice and I think it’s going to be really memorable for this World Cup for people to rock these jerseys."
Who would you have on your Mt. Rushmore of American soccer?
"Am I not allowed to include myself?"
You can have anyone you want.
"Okay, I would put myself. I’d definitely put Clint [Dempsey] on and then I’d probably put Landon Donovan. (Pauses) For the last spot, let’s put Weston [McKinnie] on there. That’s my guy. So let’s put him."
Pulisic, last question. The transfer rumors in Europe are hot and heavy right now. Do you pay attention to any of those or is it just a matter of dealing with it when you have to?
"Yeah, truthfully, most people tell me and ask me what it’s about, and I’m like, I haven’t even seen it. I really don’t know. There’s always a time and a place, I think. It’s typically not when I’m in the middle of my season and playing games. I’m not talking to my agent about clubs and going somewhere. It doesn’t really get to me much, so it really doesn’t affect me much at all. When there’s a time to talk about it and there’s options, of course, but that’s just not, that’s not where I’m at right now. And I’m happy being at the lot at the moment. So I’m just focusing on that as much as I can."
