ESPN reports that Monterrey midfielder Jonathan Gonzalez chose Mexico over the United States when it comes to playing at international level. Gonzalez, who holds U.S.-Mexico dual citizenship, has previously represented the U.S. youth national teams from the under-14 to under-20 levels.
“Everything is moving along well, but there are still some steps that need to be put in place and we need the final signature of the player.” – said source close to the Mexican Football Federation (FMF). “Jonathan has decided to continue with the process, but until the FMF has an official signature we will not declare [the move] official.“
The 18-year-old midfielder born in California is enjoying a breakout year in Mexico’s Liga MX. He was named Best XI in the Liga MX Apertura and also helped Monterrey win the Copa MX.
Despite the recent form, he didn’t get the call for the USMNT on the senior level. FIFA rules allow players to switch their national teams if they didn’t play at the senior level, so Gonzalez shouldn’t have any problems to finish the process. The player himself spoke publicly about his desire to represent the United States, but after USMNT failed to secure the spot on World Cup, Mexico stepped in. Gonzalez also wasn’t called up ןמ November for the friendly match against Portugal, something that bothered the midfielder.
“I wasn’t called in, in November,” – said Gonzalez to Soccer America. “Personally, nobody came and talked to me and let me know about that friendly. I just wasn’t called in.“
Jonathan Gonzalez started his youth career with California’s Atletico Santa Rosa before signing with Monterrey. He made his senior debut for the team on July 21, 2017, and went on to play in 27 games in the last season.
