Januzaj ready to choose England if the FA can beat five-year rule

Januzaj ready to choose England if the FA can beat five-year rule

Adnan Januzaj will choose England as his international team if the Football Association can overcome the obstacle of the five-year residency rule.
The Manchester United winger, born in Brussels to Kosovar-Albanian parents, has already rejected the advances of Belgium as he considers his options.
But the Football Association have already been given a strong indication that the 18-year-old, who is eligible to represent four other countries, would prefer England.

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Sources close to the Januzaj family have confirmed this, as Sportsmail reveals the story behind the most wanted teenager in European football.
The key for the FA is how long Januzaj would have to wait for international clearance, because after two years in England - he joined United at 16 - he has another three years before he would be considered eligible by FIFA to represent his adopted country.

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But England manager Roy Hodgson and FA chairman Greg Dyke have spoken of their desire to at least look at the possibility of recruiting Januzaj and that could begin with an application for a British passport and a possible legal challenge to the current residency rules.
According to those sources close to Januzaj and his parents, Kosovo would be the favoured choice if Kosovo was a recognised FIFA nation and therefore able to play competitive international football. As things stand, however, England is the choice.
Meanwhile, Januzaj’s father, Abedin, has hit out at Belgian coach Marc Wilmots.

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Belgium have long been trying to convince Januzaj to play for them but, over the weekend, Wilmots said: ‘It is impossible to negotiate with me. The kid is available? He wants to play? Then perfect, okay, show me.
If you’re at the top level in Manchester, show me your skills and if I need you I will call. I make no promises!’
But Januzaj Snr reacted with fury, saying: 'This is shameless. We never reacted on selections, phone calls or letters from the Belgian FA. They are requesting his selection, not us. Wilmots’ remarks won’t make it easier now. We are angry about these comments.'

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