Slonina will not play in the Polish National Team. Goalkeeper prefers the USA team

“I understand the privilege of wearing the badge, and the only time I’ll put my head down is to kiss it. America is home and that’s who I’m going to represent,” Gabriel Slonina wrote on Twitter. The talented goalkeeper was called up to the Polish national football team by Czesław Michniewicz. The coach repeatedly contacted the young talented player. After he had been called up to the senior Polish national team, Slonina decided that he prefered the USA.

Gabriel Slonina, whose parents emigrated to the USA from Tarnów, could make his debut for the Polish national football team as the talented goalkeeper, who has played eight games in MLS this season, was recently visited by Czesław Michniewicz. Soon the coach announced appointments to the national team for the next matches – with Slonina in the line-up. Yesterday, unexpectedly, the young goalkeeper announced that he is choosing the USA.

“It’s the dream of all athletes to be able to represent your country at the highest international level. The ability and privilege to do so is earned through hard work, perseverance, and dedication. I have always identified myself as a first-generation Polish American who is very proud of my roots and heritage. My parents, as many others immigrated to the USA to look for better opportunities, and the chance to find success in a new country,” Slonina wrote on social media.

“Being Polish means being extremely hard working, having faith, never taking no for an answer, pushing through hard times, and taking care of your family. I love everything about my heritage, from the people to the food, to the cities. I am also extremely grateful for being given the possibility to play for Poland,” he stressed.

“With that being said, my heart is American. This country has given me and my family all the opportunities I could ask for. It’s pushed me and supported me through good and bad. I understand the privilege of wearing the badge, and the only time I’ll put my head down is to kiss it. America is home and that’s who I’m going to represent. Thank you everyone for all the support and understanding,” Gabriel Slonina concluded.