(Reuters) - Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun said Gareth Southgate had no impact on his decision to switch allegiance and play for the United States after the England manager had urged him to be patient in waiting for a place with the senior national team.
The sought after 21-year-old, who has been on loan at Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims, said last month that he would represent the U.S. after he played for England at Under-21 level. His decision is seen as a triumph for the Americans, as Balogun scored 21 Ligue 1 goals this season, after Southgate said it would take time for him to start for the Three Lions.
Balogun arrived at training camp in Carson, California this week ahead of a showdown between champions the United States and rivals Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals. "My decision to come here was just really an internal decision between myself, my family and my agent. It wasn't anything to do with the comments of Gareth Southgate or anything to do with noise I heard from outside," Balogun said on Friday. "That was something I wanted to do. It something my family supported and at the end of the day, I just went with my heart and went with what I thought was the best," he added. Balogun said he was already fitting in perfectly with the squad and had received an education in the history of the rivalry between the U.S. and Mexico. "It's a fantastic opportunity, not just for me, but for the team," he said."Mexico and the US have a big rivalry, so I'm looking forward to it. "And, of course, there'd be no better way to introduce myself than playing against a big opposition where it matters."
Please follow us on Google to support us Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Soccer-Milan part ways with sporting director Massara(Reuters) - AC Milan have parted ways with sporting director Frederic Massara, a day after the announcement of the dismissal of technical director Paolo Maldini.
Read more »
Soccer-Messi move to Miami would be huge coup for MLSNEW YORK (Reuters) - Major League Soccer (MLS) has signed a few big names over the years but the potential recruitment of Lionel Messi by Inter Miami could be a game-changer for American soccer.
Read more »
Soccer-Messi's move to Inter Miami sends ticket prices soaring 1,034%(Reuters) - Lionel Messi's announcement that he plans to take his talents to South Beach sent prices for Inter Miami tickets on the secondary market into the stratosphere on Wednesday as fans clamoured for a chance to see the Argentine great play on U.S. soil.
Read more »
Soccer-Man City on cusp of European coronation, but Inter pose threatISTANBUL (Reuters) - Manchester City's domination of the English soccer landscape is undisputed after another season of silverware-gathering under Pep Guardiola but against Inter Milan in Saturday's Champions League final they can finally become kings of the continent.
Read more »
Soccer-Man City v Inter Milan: Three key battles in the Champions League final(Reuters) - Manchester City face Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Istanbul on Saturday. Here are three key tactical battles to watch out for:
Read more »