Johannsson has been called up to USA squad for Wednesday’s friendly with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Recent USA convert Aron Jóhannsson has been called up to the USA squad weeks after announcing he would switch allegiance to the USA from Iceland, and has spoken to MLSsoccer on his decision.
“I don’t really want to talk about why I made the decision,” he said. “I think it’s best for me.”
“In the end, it was my decision and not other people’s. Some people support my decision, but some people don’t. That’s how people are. I’m just focused on doing my best for the US now.”
Jóhannsson’s switch prompted a backlash from some in Iceland, with the Icelandic FA releasing an angry statement which included a call for the Icelandic press and people to put pressure on the young striker to change his mind, despite Jóhannsson having strong links with the USA.
“I was born and raised there [in Mobile, Ala.] until I was three, and then my family moved back to Iceland,” said Jóhannsson. “I went back when I was 17 for high school [at the IMG Academy] in Bradenton, Fla. It was one of the best years of my life and I can’t wait to go back occasionally, hopefully to get some minutes with the national team.”
Jóhannsson is one of five forwards called into the US camp this week, joining former AZ teammate Jozy Altidore, Terrence Boyd, Bobby Wood and Seattle Sounders forward Eddie Johnson.
“It’s going to be a really tough competition for me, especially when Jozy is there. But I just need to show Klinsmann that I’m ready,” Jóhannsson said. “I’d love to play with Jozy up top. I think we could be a deadly duo, so hopefully that will happen someday.”
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