Balogun: Southgate's Comments Did Not Affect My Decision

Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun indicated that "England head coach Gareth Southgate had no impact on my decision to switch allegiance and play for the United States." Balogun stated on Friday: "My decision to come here was merely an internal decision between me, my family, and my agent; it had nothing to do with Gareth Southgate's comments or any external noise I heard." He added: "It's a fantastic opportunity not just for me but for the team as well. There is a lot of competition between Mexico and the United States, and I look forward to that. Of course, there is no better way to introduce myself than by playing against a great rival in an important match."