Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown opens up on turning down USMNT for Germany

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown opens up on turning down USMNT for Germany

Born in Amberg to an American father and German mother, Nathaniel Brown had the opportunity to represent either country at international level.

Speaking to Sport Bild, the 22-year-old revealed that he was contacted about the possibility of playing for the United States around a year ago.

However, Brown – who was already a Germany U21 international at the time – turned down the interest.

“About a year ago, there was a phone call with the US federation. But I immediately said that I only want to play for Germany. This is where my roots are, I grew up here,” Brown said.

“Since I have no contact with my biological father in the USA, the decision was clear for me. I grew up German, so it was always my goal to play for the DFB.”

Brown eventually made his senior debut for Germany in October and was included in the squad for the March international friendlies. He is now hopeful of a call-up for the World Cup.

“Of course, I just want to be there – in any role. It’s my childhood dream, and that would make me extremely happy,” Brown said, before opening up on the demands of Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann.

“The national team coach wants me to show more of my personality. He sees that I am already becoming more of a leader through my role as one of the captains at Eintracht, but he demands even more emotion and vocal presence on the pitch. Off the pitch I’m rather quiet, but on the pitch I need to be more present. I think that will come with age and experience,” he said.