Bundesliga
Reyna: “I only want to play for the USA”
Borussia Dortmund attacker Gio Reyna says there is only one country he wants to represent at international level: the USA.
The 17-year-old, who has earned rave reviews since being promoted to the Dortmund first team over the winter break, is eligible to play for up to four countries: England, Portugal, Argentina and the US.
He holds US citizenship through his parents, but was born in Sunderland in 2002 while his father, Claudio, played for the club, meaning he could potentially represent the Three Lions alongside BVB teammate Jadon Sancho. Reyna is also a Portuguese citizen thanks to his paternal grandmother, while their family ancestry means Argentina could also be an option.
Watch: Gio Reyna living the dream
However, the attacking midfielder already has his mind made up on following in his father’s footsteps into the US men’s national team.
“For me it’s very clear,” he told local Dortmund newspaper Ruhr Nachrichten. “I only want to play for the USA. That’s my home.”
Reyna is already on the radar of USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter, who confirmed last month that the BVB youngster would be called up to the senior US squad during the international break at the end of March for friendlies against the Netherlands and Wales.
“I might be able to make my debut,” Reyna continued. “I’m definitely ready.”
Dortmund’s No.32 has made seven Bundesliga appearances to date since making his top-flight bow against Augsburg on Matchday 18.
His first senior goal soon followed, in the DFB Cup last 16 defeat to Werder Bremen, while he also registered his first senior assist when teeing up Erling Haalnd for the winner in the 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League.