Chelsea youth product Musiala reveals who persuaded him to choose Germany over Nigeria, England

Chelsea youth product Jamal Musiala has highlighted that former Germany coach Joachim Löw played a key role in his decision to commit his international future to Die Nationalmannschaft over England and Nigeria. 

Musiala was a player of interest to the Nigeria Football Federation before he made a one-time switch to play for Germany's national team, but ex-Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr failed in his attempt to convince him to represent the three-time African champions.

The Bayern Munich attacking midfielder qualified to represent England and Nigeria through his British-Nigerian father, and he's eligible for Germany by virtue of being born in the country.

Musiala's decision to turn out for Germany has paid off as he has become an influential player for the national team, scoring two goals and providing five assists in 29 matches, before Germany's European Championship opener against Scotland on Friday evening. 

Of the three nations he could have represented before becoming cap-tied to the four-time world champions, Nigeria were the only country he didn't make an appearance for at any level.

Germany won the recruitment battle for Musiala, beating England and Nigeria to his services, thanks to Joachim Löw.

"I have a heart for Germany and a heart for England, both hearts will continue to beat - I’ve thought a lot about this question,” Musiala told German sports programme Sportschau, via talkSPORT.

“In the end, I listened to my feelings saying it’s the right decision to play for Germany. But it wasn’t an easy decision for me.

“I had a very good and honest discussion with [former Germany head coach] Joachim Low. He showed me a clear route into the national team. Mr Low had clearly worked out and analysed my strengths and weaknesses.

"He also sees my future in my strongest position of attacking midfield and appreciates my qualities there.”

Musiala was teammates with 2017 Super Eagles invitee Eberechi Eze in the England U21 setup, Carney Chukwuemeka in England U17s, and Kelechi Chibueze in England U16s.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: dfb.de

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