Jamal Musiala has pledged his international future to Germany over England. The 17-year-old, who became Bayern Munich’s youngest Champions League goalscorer in Tuesday’s 4-1 victory over Lazio, was born in Stuttgart to a German mother and British-Nigerian father, but moved to England with his family as a seven-year-old and has represented both countries at youth level.
Musiala was spotted by Chelsea as a youngster before swapping their academy for Bayern’s two years ago.
‘Ice-cold’ Jamal Musiala making waves at Bayern after leaving ChelseaRead more
He told The Athletic of his decision to play for Germany: “I’ve thought about this question a lot. 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.”
Germany’s head coach, Joachim Löw, met Musiala in January to discuss the way ahead.
The midfielder, who turns 18 on Friday and is expected to sign a new contract at Bayern, said he would not forget those at Chelsea and the Football Association who have helped him.
View image in fullscreenJamal Musiala enjoys the moment after getting England’s third goal in an Euro Under-21 qualifier against Albania last November. Photograph: Andrew Boyers/Action Images/Reuters
“They are family for me, and I am sure that I remain a member of the family, even though I’m no longer here. I wouldn’t be where I am right now without the trust and support of Chelsea FC and the FA, throughout the hard times and fun times. It wasn’t always easy, but they made me the player I am now.”
Musiala, the second-youngest scorer in the Champions League knockout stages after Bojan Krkic, played for England at Under-15, Under-16, Under-17 and Under-21 levels, and for Germany as an Under-16.
