Ryan Johansson says his eligibility battle with FIFA has been worth the wait after declaring for Ireland.
And the rising star is already targeting World Cup and European Championship appearances for the Boys in Green.
The Sevilla Atletico midfielder, 20, won his case last week after a change in the FIFA rulings in 2020.
Once of Bayern Munich, Johansson twice played for Ireland’s U19s in 2018 but also lined out for Luxembourg - where he was born - and Sweden, where his father is from.
Johansson’s mother is from Ireland and he had his heart set on representing the Boys in Green.
But in 2019, he was denied the chance to change his future eligibility to Ireland.
“It feels amazing. It was quite the long wait but definitely worth it. I honestly don’t think it has sunk in yet,” he said.
"I think playing with the team and putting the shirt on will definitely be nerve wracking but exciting. Now I’m concentrating on the next time I can play with the team.”
Johansson continued: “It was never easy to turn down countries I love and I’m very patriotic for all three countries I am eligible for – but I do feel more attached to Ireland.
“I’ve a lot of family there, my mother is Irish but also football was an important factor brought into the decision.
“Playing with Ireland in the Under-19s was an amazing experience.
“But once it came down to it and once my parents asked me the questions, ‘who do you really want to play for?’ and ‘what is your final decision?’, it was a no brainer.”
Speaking to FAI TV, Johansson said: “That’s where my heart wanted to go.”
“Like with most national teams, I want to play in the European Championships and the World Cup.
"Anything is possible with the talent coming through with Ireland right now.”
