Christian Pulisic

I like to think of myself as a tough kid. ”

I think any kid wants to get on the field as much as he can. ”

When I was a kid, I collected a lot of cards from all different sports. ”

I've always said that there's a bit of a different sense of pride when you're playing for your 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. ”

The biggest thing my dad taught me was to play without fear. ”

My dad taught me, like, no matter what, when I go out and play against these bigger players, just to be myself. I knew that I was good enough and that I had the ability to. I never shy away from anyone, and I don't think anyone should. ”

I've always been a pretty good athlete. ”

Why is it that E.U. players are allowed to move country once they turn 16... but non-Europeans can only do so at 18? Why aren't we campaigning for a level playing field, where our best 16 year olds - who may not have an E.U. passport like I had - are free to move when they turn 16, like the best young players in Europe can? ”

I am just happy about every minute I can be on the pitch. ”