April 24 – Belgium’s already powerful World Cup squad has been boosted even more after Manchester United starlet Adnan Januzaj opted to play for them rather than a string of other countries including newly developing Kosovo.
Belgium’s national coach Marc Wilmots announced via Twitter that the 19-year-old striker, who spent six years at Anderlecht nurturing his talents, had made up his mind where to commit his future after months of indecision.
“Got official confirmation that Adnan Januzaj has made himself available to wear Belgian colours for the rest of his career. Good news that such a talented player is available for Belgium,” said Wilmots.
Januzaj was born in Brussels of a refugee Kosovar-Albanian family and could have played for a range of nations, including Kosovo and Albania, He qualified for Turkey, through his grandparents, and could have played for England if he stayed long enough in the country.
His decision to play for Belgium is no surprise given their huge talent base and status as strong European contenders at the World Cup but will nevertheless be a disappointment to Kosovo as they gradually emerge from the footballing wilderness searching for eligible players from across Europe.
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