Schalke Star Jermaine Jones Opts To Play For The U.S.

Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones is to switch his international allegiance in favour of the US.

Jun 12, 2009 9:59:33 AM

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Schalke’s combative midfielder Jermaine Jones has informed the German federation that he will in future play his international football for the United States, despite having already been capped three times by Germany.

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FIFA rules allow the switch to take place as all three caps came in friendly matches, so the 27-year-old is free to take advantage of his dual nationality.

"I think that I never really got the chance in the German team, although I always did well in my club performances," Jones told Sport Bild. "I've long had it in mind to play for the U.S. For me, a new life now begins."

"We have accepted Jermaine Jones's decision," said Germany coach Joachim Loew in a statement on the DFB's website. "I wish him all the best for his sporting future."

Jones was capped by Loew in 2008 against Austria, England and Belarus, but despite those three appearances for Germany, he is now free to represent his father's homeland. Jones, the son of an American soldier, was raised in Frankfurt.

"I understand from Jermaine Jones' representatives — and now from public statements by the DFB — of his intention to apply for a change of status under FIFA's recently revised regulations," U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati told the Associated Press. "Once that process is completed, he'll be eligible for selection to the U.S. national team."


Mathew Burt, Goal.com

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