Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel "Gaga" Slonina has declared his international future for the United States men's national team, saying that while he is "grateful" for his call-up to the Poland set-up, his "heart is American".
The shot-stopper was handed a maiden senior call-up by Poland, who he qualifies for through his parents, earlier this month, sparking a conversation over whether he would switch to the UEFA nation from the Stars and Stripes' youth setup.
Now however, Slonina has brought clarity on his international future - and will play for the country of his birth instead.
What has Slonina said?
"I have always identified myself as a first-generation Polish American who is very proud of my roots and heritage," Slonina wrote in a statement. "My parents, [like] many others, immigrated to the USA to look for better opportunities, and the chance to find success in a new country.
"I love everything about my heritage, from the people to the food, to the cities. I am [...] extremely grateful for being given the possibility to play for Poland.
"With that being said, my heart is American. This country has given me and my family all the opportunities I could ask for. America is home and that's who I'm going to represent."
Who is Slonina and is it a coup for the USMNT to keep him?
The 18-year-old goalkeeper has already established himself as a hot talent in MLS and was named on GOAL's NXGN list.
A fleet of European sides are chasing the shot-stopper, who celebrated his birthday last weekend, as he continues to impress with Chicago.
It marks a major coup for the USMNT to keep ahold of him, and comes hot on the heels of another young talent - Bayern Munich's Malik Tillman - declaring for them ahead of another nation, Germany.
