Jamal Musiala makes a big decision in opting to play for Germany over England and Nigeria at international level.
The Stuttgart-born forward, who has represented both England and Germany at youth level, says he has thought about his international future “a lot”.
He told The Athletic:external-link “What is best for my future? Where do I have more chances to play?
“In the end, I just listened to the feeling that over a long period of time kept telling me that it was the right decision to play for Germany, the land I was born in. Still, it wasn’t an easy decision for me.
“I have a heart for Germany and a heart for England. Both hearts will keep on beating.
“It is difficult to find words for what England means for me because I have so many memories connected to very positive emotions.”
Musiala, who moved to England from Germany as a child and was in Chelsea’s academy prior to joining Bayern in 2019, has represented England at youth and Under-21 levels. He scored for the Under-21s in a 5-0 victory against Albania in November 2020.
His strike for Bayern against Lazio – smartly finished from outside the box – made him the second youngest scorer in the competition’s history, second only to Bojan who netted aged 17 years 217 days for Barcelona against Schalke in the quarter-finals in 2007-08.
Both England and Germany have World Cup qualifying games at the end of March and should Musiala play in one of those – or another competitive senior fixture – he will be tied to that nation.
‘For special players, you make special decisions’
German football expert Raphael Honigstein told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast earlier this month that Germany were “making strong moves” for Musiala and made it official that they wanted him in the senior team.
BBC World Service’s John Bennett said German media had been “very confident” he would represent the four-time World Cup winners, currently managed by Joachim Low.
“There is a vacuum of young talent in German football at the moment and they are desperate for him,” said Bennett. “There are rumours they will pick him for the next international break.”
Prior to Musiala announcing his intention to play for Germany, former England and Bayern midfielder Owen Hargreaves had said Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate should call the teenager up for games against San Marino, Albania and Poland next month.
“Bayern have world-class players in every position so for him to come in and play is truly remarkable,” Hargreaves told BT Sport.
“He is a special player, can play off either wing and is best as a number 10 – really athletic, looking to run at defenders, he has great composure, absolutely fabulous and I am delighted he started.
“For special players you make special decisions. I would love to see him in an England shirt but it shows what level he is at if countries like England and Germany are competing for him at 17 years old.”
Former England striker Peter Crouch added: “I believe Gareth should pick him. We don’t want him going to play for Germany. You don’t know his mindset, he will have Germany people in his ears, but why don’t you cap him?”
‘You have to wonder what Chelsea didn’t see’
Musiala was born in Germany to a British-Nigerian father and German mother and then moved to England at a young age.
He represented England at under-15, under-16, under-17 and under-21 levels, but also Germany at under-16s.
He became the youngest player to appear in the Bundesliga for Bayern when he made his debut against Freiburg in June, aged just 17 years and 115 days.
And Musiala then also chalked his name into the records book as Bayern’s youngest scorer with a goal against Schalke after coming off the bench on the opening day of the season.
Then, on Musiala’s second start in the Champions League and fourth appearance in the competition, he grabbed his first goal.
“This has to be the biggest night of his career,” said BBC World Service’s John Bennett.
“He was a huge part of this totally dominant performance.”
Crouch added: “You have to wonder what Chelsea didn’t see and how he has been let go.”
‘Take Jamal to the Euros’ – the reaction…
Sulaimon: Brilliant goal from Jamal Musiala. How I wish he could play for Nigeria but I think he would prefer Germany or England.
Camiea: Take Jamal Musiala to the Euros.
Jackie: Jamal Musiala is gonna be some player like, him and Jude Bellingham both look class. Young English talent looking solid.
Tom: England losing out on Musiala is really going to hurt in a few years’ time.