Gaga Slonina chooses USMNT commitment over Poland, but is not called up for June international window

The 18-year-old goalkeeper announced his decision minutes before USMNT's roster announcement

On Friday, Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, 18, took to social media to announce his intentions to play for the United States men's national team. The star U.S. youth keeper with Polish roots turned down Czesław Michniewicz's call-up to the Poland national team for the June international window after being courted by their FA back in April in a U.S. Open Cup match against Union Omaha.

Slonina's announcement came minutes before Gregg Berhalter revealed his 27-man USMNT squad for June friendlies against Uruguay and Morocco, and 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League matches against Grenada and El Salvador, which did not include Slonina.   

"Being Polish means being extremely hard working, having faith, never taking no for an answer, pushing through hard times, and taking care of your family. I love everything about my heritage, from the people to the food, to the cities. I am also extremely grateful for being given the possibility to play for Poland," Slonina said in his statement. "With that being said, my heart is American. This country has given me and my family all the opportunities I could ask for. It's pushed me and supported me through good and bad. I understand the privilege of wearing the badge, and the only time I'll put my head down is to kiss it. America is home and that's who I'm going to represent."