Manchester United's England target Adnan Januzaj in no hurry to commit his international future to anyone
Manchester United's England target Adnan Januzaj in no hurry to commit his international future to anyone
Club football comes first for starlet who has rejected Belgium and could play for the Three Lions, Turkey and others
Light fantastic: Adnan Januzaj celebrates scoring at Sunderland
John Peters
Adnan Januzaj has insisted he will not be rushed into a decision over his international future.
Januzaj became Manchester United’s new young hero with two stunning strikes in their 2-1 comeback win at Sunderland on Saturday.
The 18-year-old has rejected a call-up from his native Belgium and could qualify to play for England on residency grounds, as well as Albania, Turkey, Serbia and others.
But United’s wing sensation, who will be offered a new four-year deal by the champions, says he will take his time over deciding which country to represent.
“At the moment, international football isn’t something that I’ve thought a lot about,” said Januzaj.
“I
know that, first, I have to concentrate on what I do for United,
because that is the most important part of my career right now.
“I want to play well for United and give everything for my club.”
As well as being chased by a host of countries for whom he is eligible, Januzaj is also being monitored by clubs including Manchester City and Juventus.
The
teenager has yet to agree a new deal and it is understood his father is
holding out for the best possible financial deal for his son.
But
the player himself is relishing his chance to impress in United’s
first-team and is keen to build on his match-winning display at the
Stadium of Light.
“I’m really enjoying myself,” said Januzaj. “I played quite a few games in the reserves last season and thought I did well.
“From
there, I had the chance to go on the summer tour and it was a good
opportunity for me to show what I can do for the team. It was a great
experience and ever since I’ve been working hard.
“When a big, big
manager like Sir Alex Ferguson gives you a shirt number your thought is
that you can really do something for this club.”
“When you realise everyone is behind you at Old Trafford, it gives you the belief to play with the qualities I have.
“It really helped having that support behind me because you get a feeling that everyone wants you to do well.”
“I
want to play in as many games as I can and become the best payer I can
possibly be. I know that I need to keep working hard every day to
achieve that. I have to be ready, ready to take my chance.
“I’m confident in my ability and believe I can help the team.”
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Sunderland v Manchester United
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Januzaj hailed veteran United midfielder Ryan Giggs and
experienced left-back Patrice Evra as two of his mentors within the
squad.
“Everyone gives me advice, that’s the great thing here,” said Januzaj, speaking to United Review. “I speak a lot with Patrice and Giggsy.
“They
have great experience, they’re big players at the club and have gone
through everything I’m going through. Their advice is important.
“If
I play on the left, Patrice is just behind me, so he helps me, and I’m
playing in a similar position to Giggsy. I ask him questions all the
time as he’s been a top, top player for so long. He’s a good teacher.
“My favourite position is No.10, but I’ve played on the left and right.” Click here to watch
Januzaj score a corker for United's U21s
.
Who could he play for?
England Would qualify on residency grounds, but only after five years, so he'd have to wait until 2018 to play. Belgium
Country of his birth, Januzaj would have great chance of success, given
the current strength of the Belgium squad, which boasts Premier League
stars Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard, Marouane Fellaini, Christian Benteke
and Romelu Lukaku, but he has already rejected U-18s and U-19s calls. Albania
Januzaj's father was born in Albania, so the 18-year-old would qualify
to represent them. No chance of international glory with them, though.
Fact their most famous fan was Norman Wisdom, a cult hero in Albania,
says it all. Turkey and Serbia Has grandparents
from both nations, but is not inclined to represent either - although
playing for the latter would see him follow in the footsteps of his Old
Trafford captain, Nemanja Vidic. Kosovo His
mother is from Kosovo. However, as they are not a FIFA-recognised nation
at present, the chances of Januzaj choosing them are decidedly slim.
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