Christian Pulisic

“I love playing with the national team. I love being here as much as I can.”

“In my hometown, people I didn't even know started to recognize me: 'Oh, you're that kid that's doing well over there in Europe and with the national team!'”

“It really does frustrate me when I watch MLS, and I see our best U-17 players - who, again, are so talented and so capable - being rostered... but then not being put on the field much to actually play. I watch that, and I just think about how I was given a chance... a real chance... and it changed my life.”

“When it comes to cup competitions and the Champions League, it's always about going as far as we can. Getting out of the group stage is the first objective, then after that, we will see.”

“I feel like people put pressure on me, and that makes me put pressure on myself, which isn't needed.”

“I've never seen a town that's so connected and so proud of their team and so passionate about the game. That's what makes Dortmund stand out so much. The weather isn't very good, but it's just a great town to live in. It's really known for the soccer.”

“Luckily, I've just had a lot of people around me that have helped me through it because I wouldn't even be close to where I am if I didn't have the support system I do. I wouldn't be able to do it on my own.”

“I've already played against some of my biggest idols.”

“I always had a soccer ball with me. I could never stop. As young as I can remember, my dad was always throwing a soccer ball at me.”

“Obviously, making my debut at such a young age, people put a lot of pressure on you.”

“It was definitely tough being the coach's son.”

“I think what we really want to do is to create a real soccer nation. We want to have kids really wanting to play the sport.”

“What I learned is that nothing is given easy to you.”

“If I can inspire kids to do what I do - want to become professional soccer players - then I think that that's everything I want to do.”

“It's not just about getting the ball and figuring out every time how you can keep possession, because there are plenty of players who can do that. That's just not how I view my performances. It's about, What can I do to change the game and the attacking aspect of the game?”

“It's been a dream of mine to play for the U.S. national team.”

“CONCACAF games are tough.”

“My family, and just the people around me in my life - you know, my friends - they take care of me, and whenever I'm too high, they bring me right down, and when I'm too low, they pick me up.”

“If you want to be at the highest level, then you have to really work hard every day.”

“The World Cup is as big as it gets.”