USMNT star Folarin Balogun opens up on Olympic 'dream' as he eyes Champions League place with Monaco

The former Arsenal striker revealed that representing the United States men's national team at the Olympics has always been a dream for him and he hopes that AS Monaco will permit him to take part in the flagship competition which will be held in Paris at a time when European clubs generally conduct their pre-season training. He is also looking forward to making his maiden appearance in the upcoming Copa America in the US.

Speaking to Get French Football News exclusively, the US international said, "To represent my country in the Olympics is a dream for me. Obviously, I have never played in the Copa America and I am looking forward to this as well. I have to ask the club; the Olympics eats into the season a bit so I’m sure the club will let me know about this. For sure, it’s a dream and something that I want to do at some point in my career."

The 22-year-old is yet to experience Champions League football, having spent the last three seasons at Arsenal. Right after the Gunners sealed a Champions League slot by finishing second in the Premier League last season, the player moved out of Emirates Stadium to join AS Monaco on a permanent transfer.

When asked about his aspiration of competing at the highest level of European football, the striker added, "It is something that I’ve seen lots of my friends play in and they say that their feelings and the things they have experienced are unimaginable. I would love to be lining up before the game, and hearing that music. That’s the motivation to get it done this season."

AS Monaco are currently third in the Ligue 1, three points clear of Lille. With just seven matches to go in the current season, they will aim to finish among the top three teams and seal an automatic Champions League berth. They will be next seen in action against Rennes on Sunday in a league clash.