Burnley co-owner JJ Watt is keen to persuade Super Eagles-eligible winger Luca Coleosho to represent the US men’s national team, and reveals how he will go about it did.
The Burnley forward is eligible to play in four countries: Nigeria through his father, Canada and Italy through his mother, and the United States, his country of birth.
The 19-year-old has represented Italy and the United States at youth level, has been called up to Canada’s senior national team, and is currently playing for Italy’s Under-21s.
When asked what he would say to the talented winger if asked to convince him to represent the USMNT, Watt told the Men in Blazers Podcast via Goal.com:
“All the smartest experts in the world, people on Twitter who obviously know more than anyone else, told me you should play for America.
“What I would say to him is, think about how great and how special it is to play for your country, to represent your country and do something special, and lead the next wave. It’s about helping people do that.
“It’s going to be an incredibly exciting time for American football as the Olympics and World Cup will be held in our country over the next five years or so. And you’ll be a catalyst for even more growth in American football. It will be possible.”
“Isn’t it just fun! Every international vacation, you’re right where you want to be?”
The battle to secure the Burnley winger’s international allegiance is expected to be an interesting one, with Italy manager Luciano Spalletti making it clear he is keeping a close eye on him, and the United States also confirming that he is on their side. I hope he decides to play for.
Coleochos, who joined Vincent Kompany’s side in the summer, made 15 appearances in the Premier League, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
He is currently recovering from a knee injury sustained in the Clarets’ 1-0 defeat to Wolves.
Abdulkareem Abdulhamid
Photo credit: burnleyfootballclub.com
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