George John
Greek national team coach Fernando Santos announced that FC Dallas’ uncapped Greek-American central defender George John, will join the squad in New York. Greece’s National soccer team comes to the States for a friendly match against Ecuador on June 7, 2011 at Citi Field in New York.
The Greek-American soccer player issued the following statement.
“It is a tremendous honor to be invited to join the Greek national team. I would like to thank EPO (Hellenic Football Federation) president Sofoklis Pilavios, national team technical director Takis Fyssas and national team coach Fernando Santos for this opportunity. I am looking forward to meeting the team in New York. As a new player, I need to use that time to get to know the staff and the players.”
John’s statement also addressed his United States national team eligibility:
I am fully aware of FIFA statutes regarding international eligibility, and that I will remain eligible to represent the United States for at least the short term. If I receive an invitation from the U.S. national team, I will give it consideration at that time. It would not be appropriate for me to make any further comments about my international future. It is very important to me that I show respect to both EPO and U.S. Soccer.
George John, a sec0nd-generation Greek-American, was born and raised in Seattle, Wash. Watch a video with George John scoring goal against Milan:
John has been called up once by the US back in December of 2010 but he was unable to play due to bone spurs in his ankle.
