FORMER Southampton super-kid Jamal Musiala still gets messages about his decision to play for Germany instead of England and takes it as a compliment that fans are frustrated.
The 19-year-old is considered one of the greatest prospects in world football having flourished for European giants Bayern Munich since breaking through in 2020.
Musiala joined the perennial Bundesliga champions from Chelsea the previous year but also spent time in the Southampton youth set-up and local side City Central after his family moved from Germany to England when he was seven.
The midfielder predominantly represented the Young Lions at youth level, going on to feature for England Under-21s before last year confirming he would play for his country of birth.
It means there will be a feeling of what might have been on Monday night as Musiala starts for Germany against Gareth Southgate’s side at a sold-out Wembley in the Nations League.
“From my time with England in the youth level, they have amazing talents and I was playing with many of them as well – the Under 21s, 19s,” Musiala said.
“There was many players which can have an amazing career and I think England’s youth system is very good for that, to build on these talents and make sure they get better.
“When you said (about) breaking hearts, some of my friends message me here and there when they see me saying I should have played for England and stuff.
“We joke around but I think they’re still happy for my decision.
“I’m sure some England fans won’t be happy but I think that means I’m doing good if it upsets some people that I didn’t choose their country.”
Musiala seamlessly flicked between German and English at Sunday’s pre-match press conference in the bowels of Wembley – a stadium he dreamt of lining up at as a kid.
“It’s kind of crazy to think about things like that,” said Musiala, who came on as a stoppage-time substitute under the arch in last year’s Euro 2020 last-16 loss to England.
“I think when I was younger it was always my dream to play at Wembley or being part of one of these big games. For me, it was not exactly where I was, I just loved playing football.
“That was my dream to be involved in such big games and be part of a squad where I can contribute a lot. I’m just happy where I am right now.”
Musiala said choosing to represent Germany was not an easy decision but the right one for someone who clearly has a lot of affection for England.
He still keeps in contact with the likes of Jude Bellingham and Saints star Tino Livramento and fondly remembers meeting Southgate as a kid.
“That was at my primary school, Corpus Christi,” he said. “I saw him there, I had a picture. It’s not on me right now, but we took a picture together. It was nice seeing him.“
But now it is about the future and helping Germany recover from their shock loss to Hungary against an England side hoping to snap a five-game winless run before the World Cup.
“England have a lot of quality,” Musiala added. “I think we can say it’s a perfect game for both of us because we both will need this game to go into the World Cup with confidence.
“I think England have an amazing squad, amazing players. That’s why everyone’s a bit shocked with their results right now.
“I feel like this game is perfect for the both of us. This will be a tough game and I’m sure everyone will be watching to see how this goes.”
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