Anyone heard about him turning down Germany U17's, if in favour of USA it's a problem for us
I'll post the article:
Zelalem was born in Germany to an Ethiopian father. He played in the Hertha Berlin academy set up before moving to America in 2006.
In the States he played for several youth teams and his high school when he was spotted by Arsenal's main USA scout Daniel Karbassiyoon and scheduled to join the Gunners when turned 16.
Because of all this movement the talented young midfielder is available to represent Ethiopia, Germany and the United States.
And it has emerged today, that after representing the German youth teams on several occasion, Zelalem has turned down the chance to play for their Under 17's, as reported by SoccerOverThere on twitter.
Now if the youngster has decided he doesn't want to play for Germany any more and wants to commit to America then that actually poses problems for his club side Arsenal.
If Zelalem applies for US citizenship then his EU status as a German would also be rescinded. This in turn would possibly end up in him no longer being able to play for Arsenal which as you can guess has the North London team worried.
This is a confusing case that could still go through various loopholes as of yet. But USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann is reportedly doing his absolute best to get Zelalem to enter his set up and repeat the success he got from making Bayern Munich prodigy Julian Green switch from Germany to the United States.
We'll have to wait and see what the young man chooses and see how the pieces fall from there.
Zelalem Issue
posted on 12/4/14
Well the kid is American, culturally. Can't blame him for picking the US.
He'll get a special talent visa, the hype is clear as day. Germany and the US fighting over him, Arsenal signing him two whole years before they could bring him into the youth side, the cameos in pre-season.
posted on 12/4/14
Let's hope so because he's a special kid and I'd like to see him in the COC next season
posted on 12/4/14
I know he's young and plenty of time to develop but I watched him closely in games v Barca, Chelsea, Coventry and Galatasaray Really doesn't look anything special. Hope to be proved wrong but I don't see what all the fuss is about.
posted on 12/4/14
Might not mean he has decided to turn down Germany who are always thereabouts as the best team in the world. I would be very surprised to see anyone turn down Germany for USA. It would be like turning down Arsenal to play for Stoke (in terms of quality, not style).
He may just want to keep his options open at the moment and would he be eligible for England if he stays long enough? He may just want to try to play with the likes of Wilshere, Gibbs, Theo and Ox who could all be part of the England set up by the time hes old enough.
posted on 12/4/14
It's good he chose America, he will be their superstar, and will bring in some serious bunse to Arsenal.
posted on 12/4/14
I don't think he'd lose German citizenship. America and Germany both allow dual citizenship.
posted on 12/4/14
He chose USA cos he knows he has no chance of playing for Germany.
Wouldnt be a loss if we let Freddy Adu mk II go.
posted on 12/4/14
What objectivefan said.
posted on 12/4/14
What objectivefan said.
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Words to live by
posted on 12/4/14
Freddy Adu is just 24 he's been around for ages!