Bayern Munich phenom Jamal Musiala explains how football was his language as a boy

Bayern Munich phenom Jamal Musiala made the difficult decision to player for Germany instead of England and it paid off as the 18-year-old was rewarded with a spot on Die Mannschaft’s roster for the European Championships this summer.

“It was not an easy decision for me,” said Musiala to Goal. “I have a heart for Germany and a heart for England. Both hearts will keep beating. In the end I just listened to my feeling that it was the right decision to play for Germany, the land I was born in.”

Musiala did admit that his admiration for England will allow it to “always remain a home.”

Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Musiala’s journey to this point started as a youngster when he could not speak English, but still found the common language of football as his saving grace.

“I was just seven years old, when I arrived in the UK and I hardly understood a word. But the language of football and the kindness of the British people helped me with my integration. Even though I was different, a little boy, mixed background and couldn’t speak the language. They have always given me a feeling to be welcome. In football it is the moment, the passion and of course the fun which unites people. It’s the magic of football. All of that has made me the person I am today.”