“Look in the mirror + grow a pair” - Christian Pulisic’s dad hits back at Landon Donovan after he blames USMNT stars with Cristiano Ronaldo claim
Christian Pulisic's father has hit back at Landon Donovan after the former player asked the USMNT star to learn from Cristiano Ronaldo. The AC Milan star was also not happy with the comments and ended up liking the post from Yahoo Sports, which had a screenshot of his father's comment.
Donovan was not happy with Pulisic taking a break from the national team to get himself ready for the next season. He claimed that the USMNT star should learn from Ronaldo, who was playing for Portugal in the UEFA Nations League despite playing for Al Nassr in almost every game.
He said on FOX Sports via GOAL:
“This is what it means to represent your country. And if you don’t want to take this, as a professional soccer player and someone who gets the opportunity to wear that jersey and take it seriously and responsibly, then don’t come in. This is what it means. He’s (Ronaldo) 40 years old, he played a long-a*s season, he’s tired, he was out there grinding and hurt himself in the process. And I can't help but think about some of our (USMNT) guys on vacation right now not wanting to play in the Gold Cup. It’s p*ssing me off.”
Mark Pulisic was not happy with the comments and hit back. He urged the former player to start naming the players he is targeting next time and questioned if he was avoiding the names to protect his media career. He said:
"This guy is.. talking about commitment.. look in the mirror + grow a pair and call names out or are you afraid next time you want an interview you will get rejected again."
Christian Pulisic ruled himself out of the Gold Cup this summer and opted to focus on preparing for the 2024/25 season with AC Milan. Cristiano Ronaldo played and scored in the semifinal and final as Portugal won the UEFA Nations League.
Christian Pulisic challenged to become like Cristiano Ronaldo's rival Lionel Messi
Mauricio Pochettino has urged Christian Pulisic to step up and become the USMNT's Lionel Messi. He claimed that the AC Milan star is talented and should try to make himself ready for the national team like Cristiano Ronaldo's rival. He said on Unfiltered Soccer via DailySports:
“I think he’s a very talented player who can help us win. People [in the U.S.] compare Messi with Christian Pulisic. I don’t want to be disrespectful to either of them, but in this country, Pulisic has to be our Messi. He’s an iconic player. If you ask kids on the street to name a footballer, they’ll say Pulisic.”
Cristiano Ronaldo will get his post-season break this month after deciding not to join a side playing in the FIFA Club World Cup. The Portuguese superstar is set to sign a new deal with Al Nassr despite interest from Al Hilal, Wydad Casablanca, and more.