With the 2026 World Cup just 12 months away, Christian Pulisic has opted for rest over international duty. The USMNT star will not feature in this summer’s Gold Cup, a decision made in consultation with the U.S. Soccer Federation, allowing him to recover from a demanding season at Milan, where he made 50 appearances, scored 17 goals, and provided 12 assists across all competitions.
Despite his absence sparking criticism from some pundits, Pulisic has stayed composed and focused on his personal and professional goals. Speaking to CBS Sports’ Call It What You Want podcast, he discussed the toll of the year, a change in coaches at Milan, and a new chapter ahead for club and country.
What did Pulisic say about Modric?
Amid discussions about his role in the national team and reflections on life in Italy, Pulisic also offered a short but heartwarming comment about a potential dream scenario: teaming up with his idol, Luka Modric, at San Siro.
When asked during the interview about his most treasured jersey swap, Pulisic lit up as he recalled a special moment. “When I was at Chelsea and we played against Real Madrid, at the end of the game I spoke to Kovacic,” he began.
“You know, I have Croatian roots on my grandfather’s side and all my cousins, to give you an idea, named their dog ‘Luka’ for Luka Modric! He is an idol in my family. I told Kovacic that I really wanted his shirt, also for my family. A legendary player.”
Then came the suggestion that caught him slightly off guard: “And they say you’ll play with him…” To which Pulisic responded with: “I saw something about that… Crazy.”
Modric’s arrival imminent at Milan
It turns out that “crazy” might just become reality. According to Sky Italia, Luka Modric is set to join AC Milan following the conclusion of Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign. The Croatian legend, now 39, has chosen to continue playing at the highest level and sees Milan as the right destination for a final flourish.
Modric has reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with an option for an additional season. While the medical was originally scheduled to take place in Croatia, the midfielder personally requested that all formalities be postponed until after Los Blancos’ Club World Cup matches out of deep respect for his current club.
The Rossoneri, who have a storied history with aging legends—Zlatan Ibrahimovic famously returned to Milan at 39 and led the team back to Scudetto glory in 2022—see in Modric a similar leadership figure. With 2,864 minutes played this past season and still capable of commanding the midfield, he remains an elite asset.