Bayern Munich wonderkid Jamal Musiala has decided to play for Germany at senior level, despite representing England youth teams and also being eligible for Nigeria.
The 17-year-old, who scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in the Bavarians' 4-1 victory over Lazio this week, was born in Stuttgart, Germany, to a Nigerian father and a German mother.
However, he left Germany at the age of seven to live in England, where he was part of Chelsea's academy. In 2019, though, he moved from the Blues to Bayern.
Musiala represented England at U15, U16, U17 and U21 level, and also featured for Germany's U16 side. He would have been eligible to play for the Super Eagles as well through his father, but has now opted to represent the country of his birth.
"I have a heart for Germany and a heart for England," Musiala told Germany's ARD TV station.
"I thought about it a lot but at the end I listened to the feeling that it is the right decision to play for Germany.
"I had a very good an honest discussion with (Germany head coach) Joachim Low. We met in Munich and he showed me clearly my way to the national team.
"I was impressed by how well informed they both (Low Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff) were. Mr. Low analysed very well my style and my weaknesses. He sees me in the future in my strongest position, that in the attacking midfield."
Low himself all but confirmed that the 17-year-old will be called up to his next national team squad after impressing for Bayern during his breakout season.
"I see huge potential in him. Obviously we had him in our sights for some time," Low said, as quoted by ESPN.
"No one can give a guarantee at this stage, that would not be serious. But I think that we will call him up in March especially as the squad will be bigger due to the three international matches."
