Esmir Bajraktarević (foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Esmir Bajraktarević reveals why he proudly chose Bosnia and Herzegovina over the USA for his international career, expressing his deep connection to his Bosnian roots.
Bosnian national team’s newest member, Esmir Bajraktarević, recently shared with American audiences why there was never any doubt about where his international football loyalties lay. Although Bajraktarević played for the youth teams of the United States, he eventually decided to switch and represent his family’s homeland, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Speaking on The Soccer Show, the 19-year-old midfielder expressed immense pride after making his debut for Bosnia’s senior team, recalling the emotional reaction from his parents.
"I’m very proud to be Bosnian. It was fantastic to debut for the national team. My mom and dad both cried, and it was a surreal moment for me. That’s something I will never forget," Bajraktarević told his American interviewers.
He explained that his decision to play for Bosnia was deeply rooted in his childhood, as he grew up watching the national team and always felt connected to it.
"There was never any doubt about who I’d represent. I always knew it would be Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since I was a child, I watched their games, and I’m personally very proud to be Bosnian," he added.
Bajraktarević has made an impression at New England Revolution this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 27 matches. He has already earned two caps for Bosnia’s national team, including an assist to Edin Džeko in his debut match against the Netherlands in Eindhoven.