Newly signed Manchester United winger Samuel Lusale has chosen to represent Slovakia over Zambia, according to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).
United in July this year signed Lusale, a winger of Zambian descent, as their latest addition to their academy from Crystal Palace.
The 17-year-old qualifies to represent Zambia through his father, Chisola Lusale, who reportedly wanted his son to don Zambian colours. However, he has already represented Slovakia.
Lusale is widely regarded as the next major star in European football due to his quickness, unwavering drive to defeat opponents, and slick movement in the final third.
He spent last season at Selhurst Park, playing for Crystal Palace’s U-16 and U-18 squads.
FAZ confirmed that they had contacted the player, but he decided to continue playing for his monther’s country, Slovakia.
“We did reach out to his father, and he informed us that the boy has chosen to play for Slovakia,” FAZ technical director Laison Zulu disclosed to SportsBoom.
Lusale has already represented his mother’s country, Slovakia, in the U-17 European Championship, but he is still able to switch international allegiance.
In September of this year, he played for the Sloviakia -18 team in three friendly games against Turkey, the United States, and Wales. He contributed an assist in their 3-2 loss to Wales, and his team tied the other two games 1-1.
He is also touted as the next star for Slovakia’s senior national team, following his dream move to Manchester United.
Zulu said the door remains open if he changes his mind. “The door remains open in case he changes his mind in the future.”
