This Tuesday, FIFA announced that it had accepted the request of striker Florian Balogun to represent the national football team of the USA. The player was born in Brooklyn, New York, and defended the youth England.
The son of Nigerians, Balogun was born while his parents were on vacation on American soil. Afterwards, the family moved to London, England, where the player grew up and attended the youth teams of the Arsenal.
“My decision to represent the USA was made together with my family. In the end, I didn’t have to think too much, but it was something I wanted to do and I feel at home here. Representing America means a lot, more than people would know. I am very proud and honored for this opportunity and I want to give everything I have to make the team successful”, declared Florian Balogun.
Wearing the Gunners shirt, the striker played ten games and scored two goals. With no space in Mikel Arteta’s team, Florian Balogun was loaned to Middlesbrough, from the English second division, and to Stade Reims, from France, where he is being highlighted.
In 34 matches played by French Championship this season, the 21-year-old has scored 19 goals. Balogun was second only to Mbappé (PSG), Lacazette (Lyon), Jonathan David (Lille) and Habib Diallo (Strasbourg) in the top scorers of Ligue 1.
For the past two years, the striker has played for the England under-17 and under-21 teams. However, during this period, he received an invitation from the American federation to a training camp with the US national team.
Florian Balogun should be available in the next match of the American selection for the semifinals of the Concacaf League of Nations, against Mexico, which will be played on June 15, in Las Vegas.
“We are very happy that Folarin (Balogun) chose to represent the United States. Not only is he an extremely talented player, he is also a good person who will add value to the national team, on and off the pitch, at a time when the team continues to improve. It’s clear he values his American roots and we can’t wait for him to be part of our team,” said Anthony Hudson, USA coach.
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Forward Folarin Balogun commits to represent #USMNT in international competition » https://t.co/y6HzG5XoEp pic.twitter.com/MtXV9ZRot9
— U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) May 16, 2023
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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