'Long may it continue' - Landon Donovan applauds Christian Pulisic's play for AC Milan, says Gold Cup criticism wasn't personal

Donovan addressed misconceptions about his relationship with Pulisic, stressing that his critical comments were misinterpreted as personal animosity. Donovan said he harbors no ill will toward the Milan star, despite criticism over Pulisic skipping the Gold Cup for the USMNT.

“One of my friends texted me and they’re like ‘Landon, last week you were signing Christian’s praises and I thought you hated him and I thought you wanted him gone,'" Donovan said on his Unfiltered Soccer podcast. “And I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?’ I want this guy to succeed at the highest high, this is why I’m disappointed with some of the decisions he’s made.

“Because he has this possibility - and I want to see that with the national team. So, like, I’m not going to say I’m his biggest fan because his friends and family all are, but we all want him to succeed at that. And he is flying right now, so long may it continue.”

Donovan's comments come amid Pulisic's remarkable run of form in Italy, where the American has established himself as one of Serie A's premier attackers. Since joining AC Milan from Chelsea in 2023, Pulisic has contributed 27 goals and 22 assists in league play, silencing critics who questioned his durability and consistency during his time in England.

That tally includes six goal contributions in five appearances already this season, with Pulisic a key reason why Milan are at the top of the league table.

Donovan's conciliatory tone reflects growing recognition within American soccer circles that an in-form Pulisic represents the USMNT's best hope for success at the 2026 World Cup on home soil. The American opted to skip the 2025 Gold Cup in order to prioritize resting his body for the long 2025-26 season but his decision was heavily criticized.

Pulisic's current trajectory places him at a pivotal moment in his professional development, having assumed leadership roles for both AC Milan and the national team. At 27, the American has responsibility as a cornerstone of both the USMNT and Milan's attack going forward.