American player Yunus Musah explained why he decided to leave the Gunners at the age of 16.
A little about the topic
Yunus Musah contacted Arsenal in 2012 and spent seven years in their academic system before taking on a new challenge in Spain with Valencia. The big challenge was justified by regular appearances at club level and top international recognition for the New York native, with Yunus showing why the player was left with little choice but to sever ties with the Premier League heavyweights.
What did Yunus Musah say?
The US midfielder said when asked if competition for places in north London made him look for a path to first-team football that it was one of the reasons he decided to move to Spain – he felt at the time maybe they would never find out that he couldn’t make it to the Gunners’ first team so early. According to Yunus Musah, their team was really good and he felt that at his age he could play first team football and there was a chance to move to Valencia. Everything turned out great. Musah is very grateful for this.
In the meantime, having represented England at youth level all the way up to U18, The American also revealed why he is now a full international with the USMNT, having played for England for several years. Yunus Musah says he had a good time with them, he respects them a lot for all they have done for him, but Southgate, whom he never spoke to, no.
This decision was very difficult because, as Musah said, he had a great time with England and this country did a lot for him, so when the time came to make a decision, it was difficult. He made the decision because he was born in the USA. That was one of the main things. Also he got an opportunity at such a young age, that’s what he wanted to take. According to the American, it was great when manager Gregg Berhalter called him and gave him the opportunity.