The Spanish media today highlights a choice made by Leeds United youngster Mateo Joseph, who represented Spain in their national team’s youth ranks for the first time.
The 20-year-old, who was born in Santander, also has English nationality, and had featured for England’s U-20 squad in the past.
As he decided to switch to Spain, he made his U-21 debut this week, and was interviewed by OK Diario about his decision.
“I’m very happy because it is a very important day in my career. Making my debut for Spain is what I’ve wanted since I was a kid. The feeling is that I have made an effort and I have given my all, but there are some details that need to be improved. In the end it’s not a question of offering to play. Since I was a child I have grown up in Spain, I have been with my family in Spain and it was what I wanted since I was a child. I’m very happy that it’s happened this way.”
The player also revealed that it was him who contacted the Spanish national team to say he was available.
“First I told the English FA everything. I wanted to play for Spain. And then I spoke to the Spanish Federation. Then came the call from (manager) Santi Denia. I am the one who takes the step and the one who calls the Federation. It was my biggest dream since I was a kid. It would be incredible to play in the Olympics, because with hard work everything is possible.”
Leeds United signed Joseph in 2020 from Espanyol’s academy. The striker initially joined the Whites’ academy, but made his way to the first team, and now has two goals in 23 appearances for them.
There’s still time for him to make a definitive choice between England and Spain, but seeing how things has been going, it’s likelier that he’ll represent the country where he was born. It remains to be seen if and when he’ll get a call-up to the first team.
