Manchester City’s Nigerian-born youngster, Lukas Nmecha has disclosed that he decided to jettison the chances of a full international career with England because he got more love and attention from Germany.
In the wake of his debut for Germany’s under-21 national team at the start of the week, sports247.ng gathered that Nmecha, who was also once under consideration by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for a call-up, said felt wanted when Germany’s coach visited him at home.
The Citizens’ youngster made his debut for Germany on Tuesday, about two years after he helped England win the European U-19 Championship in Georgia.
For his debut, the 20-year-old Nmecha was a second-half substitute in Germany’s 2-1 win over England in an under-21 friendly in Bournemouth, few hours after FIFA cleared him to switch allegiance.
Nmecha, the son of a German mother and a Nigerian father, was scouted by City at the age of nine, and has been at the club ever since.
The youngster, who got his English Premier League debut against West Ham United in April, and is this season out on loan at second-tier outfit, Preston North End, has earned praise from City coach, Pep Guardiola for his attitude and performances.
Nmecha, whose brother Felix also plays for City and has represented both England and Germany at youth level, revealed that he speaks German with his mother so as not to forget his native language.
He represented England at every junior level from under-16 before he was persuaded to switch by Germany’s under-21 coach, Stefan Kuntz.
The rising star was declared eligible to play for Germany’s youth side shortly before kick-off, and then got off the bench to make his debut against the squad that had players who used to be his teammates.
Nmecha stated: “I have chosen Germany, where I was born. I thought for a long time about what I wanted. It was the right decision.
“I only found out that I could play ten minutes before kick-off. It was pure joy.
“I see Germany as my home. I lived in Hamburg until I was nine years old and I still have a close bond to the city and the people there.
“The coach visited me at my home in Manchester and told me about Germany’s team spirit.
“He really convinced me, and he also spoke to my mum, who is from Moenchengladbach.”
