Bayern Munich’s young striker Julian Green has opened the door to play at this summer’s World Cup for the United States despite having the option to play for Germany where he has lived since the age of two.
The 18-year-old, who was born in Florida to a German mother and American father, has represented both Germany and the United States at youth level, but has now pledged his allegiance to Jurgen Klinsmann’s side and a potential place at the World Cup in Brazil.
“It’s super! He is a great talent with a brilliant future ahead of him,” said a delighted Klinsmann, who coached Germany at the 2006 World Cup and is a former international striker for the Mannschaft.
Green has already been included in the US squad for a World Cup preparation match against Mexico on April 2 in Glendale, California, but admitted his decision to play for the Americans was not taken lightly.
“It was a difficult decision, taken after a long discussion with my family,” said Green who has come up through the Bayern youth system to make his first-team debut last November in a Champions League tie against CSKA Moscow.
“It would be crazy (to play at the World Cup), but to get there, I have to work extremely hard.” said Green.