GOAL spoke to former U.S. men's international Jimmy Conrad at the 2025 Soccer Championship (TST). The 2006 World Cup player discussed Christian Pulisic's decision to miss the Copa America this summer by requesting a leave of absence.

Although the AC Milan star's absence was officially announced a few days ago, his decision to give up playing in the national team's last official event just one year before the 2026 World Cup has sparked widespread controversy. In response, Conrad admitted that he was "disappointed", but stressed that the outside world needs to understand the deep considerations behind this choice.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed," Conrad said. "But I understand how he feels. I once asked for a day off during a January training camp myself. It takes courage."

Conrad added: "I know what it's like to have the courage to really think, 'I just need a break,' so, imagine what it would be like if we didn't give him that break, you have to meet the players where they are, right? That's like the first thing about leadership ... are there any consequences? Yes, but it's up to the coach and the rest of the team to protect that space a little bit. So, from a sporting perspective, I'm sad that he wasn't able to come."

"It's a good opportunity to be with the team for a month and we won't have it again before the World Cup. However, the fact that he asked for it means there are more important things to do and we need to respect that... Let's just focus on the players who are going to play and I'm looking forward to seeing some of the players take their chances."