Bayern Munich Youngster Jamal Musiala Has Chosen To Represent Germany Ahead Of England

 

It was a night to remember for Bayern Munich's 17-year-old prodigy Jamal Musiala.

The Stuttgart-born midfielder, born in February 2003, became the youngest English player to score in the Champions League on Tuesday night as the Bundesliga side knocked four past Lazio in the round of 16 tie. It was a pretty decent finish, as well.

Musiala's efforts will come as no surprise to Bayern fans who have watched him flourish in recent months.

Since the teenager made his senior debut in a 3-1 victory over SC Freiburg in June 2020 - where he became the youngest player to play for Bayern in the Bundesliga - he has made 16 appearances for the Bavarians, scoring three times.

As a reward for his fine form, Hansi Flick decided to hand the youngster his first start in the Champions League.

Musiala's future is certainly bright, but what about his international allegiance?

The 17-year-old has represented England at youth level at U15, U16, U17 and U21 level since 2016. In fact, he played a huge role for The Three Lions in last year's European U21 Championship qualifiers - where he played twice, scoring once.

But despite making over 20 appearances for his nation, Musiala has declared his international allegiance to Germany, the country of his birth.

Born in Stuttgart, he later moved to South London at aged 7 with his mother. He spent eight years playing for Chelsea's youth side before moving back to Germany, aged 16, to play for Bundesliga champions Bayern.

So why has he chosen Germany over England?

In an exclusive interview with The Athletic, Musiala opened up about his decision.

"I've thought about this question a lot," he said. "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. England is home for me. It is difficult to find words for what England means for me because I have so many memories connected to very positive emotions.

"I have a heart for Germany and a heart for England. Both hearts will keep on beating."

Bayern Munich manager Hans-Dieter Flick is a huge fan of Musiala and after Tuesday night's clash against Lazio - where he scored that great goal against the Serie A side - the German praised the youngster.

"We are happy that Jamal made a great performance and so did the whole team," Flick said.

"Of course, his goal made him stand out. He is very confident on the ball and can play well between the lines.

"He has a great eye and feeling for choosing the right spaces. So, he did his job well, just like everyone else. We're always happy about a goal and we are very satisfied.

"It was decisive to have someone like him, as we need possession and we wanted to outnumber the opponent in the different zones between the lines and the half spaces. He did that very well."

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