Hoffenheim defender Jeremy Toljan has rejected Jurgen Klinsmann's approach to turn him into a U.S. national team player, and opted to play for the Germany under-21 at the upcoming European Championships instead.
The 20-year-old defender, who has played on all positions in the Hoffenheim back four last season, was called up into Germany's preliminary squad for the 2015 under-21 European Championships next month.
On the back of a strong run-in, Toljan, who struggled with injuries earlier this season, was invited by Germany under-21 coach Horst Hrubesch to join his teammate Kevin Volland for the training camp early in June.
Jeremy Toljan is aiming for a place in the @DFB_Team_EN U21s European Championship squad: http://t.co/KQDiLl8IN0 pic.twitter.com/M1U9njUpIO
- Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) May 27, 2015
"There is nothing bigger for a footballer to come to be with the national team and play for them," the Stuttgart-born son of a Croatian mother and a deceased American father told the official DFB website.
Toljan has played for the various Germany youth teams, but would also be eligible to wear the U.S. jersey. However, speaking to tabloid Bild, the Hoffenheim hopeful said that he was not interested in taking the chance to succeed the likes of Jay Brooks or Fabian Johnson, who opted for the United States.
Toljan told the paper that he has been approached by U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
"He called me and asked whether I could imagine playing for the United States," he said. "It was only a short conversation."
