The future of American soccer looks that little bit healthier with the news that Arsenal teenager Gedion Zelalem has gained US citizenship.
Zelalem is also eligible to represent Ethiopia and Germany but spent much of his youth in Maryland before moving to London to further his career with Arsenal.
The US Soccer president, Sunil Gulati, confirmed on Tuesday that Zelalem had successfully applied for citizenship.
Gedion Zelalem is now a U.S. citizen. At his request we have started the FIFA process which would allow him to be eligible for the #USMNT.
— Sunil Gulati (@sunilgulati) December 30, 2014
The 17-year-old is yet to appear in the Premier League but has played for Arsenal in the Champions League and FA Cup. The Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, told Sports Illustrated in July that he believes Zelalem has a bright future in front of him. “He is a player with a good eye and good technique and is very agile. He has the ambition to find the ball on the field. So he’s the kind of player who could be of use to the United States. He’s in some ways the type of player the US was missing in the World Cup.”
Fifa still need to approve Zelalem before he can represent USA, and he could still choose to represent Germany – who he has represented at youth level – or Ethiopia. This week’s move, however, signals his intent to represent the US at international level.
