Bayern Munich defender Josip Stanisic chooses Croatia over Germany
Bayern Munich's Josip Stanisic has elected to represent Croatia at senior international level instead of Germany.
Stanisic played Germany's U19s, but was most recently involved in the Croatia U21 squad. The 21-year-old has now earned his first senior Croatia call-up, ahead of upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Cyprus (8 October) and Slovakia (11 October).
"My family comes from Slavonski Brod, a city in the east of Croatia, so it's a dream for me to play for Croatia’s senior national team," explained the Munich-born defender.
"The Croatian FA and the coach have been making great efforts with me for several months and showed me how I fit in. I’m really looking forward to the challenge."
Stanisic's nomination is just reward for an impressive start to the club campaign with Bayern. He played a big part in pre-season under Julian Nagelsmann, and has already made seven competitive appearances in 2021/22, including four starts.
Stanisic - who can play across the defence, but prefers to operate at right-back - learned his craft in the youth teams of 1860 Munich and Fürstenfeldbrück, before moving to Bayern in 2017. He made his senior debut towards the end of last season, having helped the reserves win the 3. Liga title the previous year.
Related news
Neuer set to join 40 club
The legendary Bayern custodian turned 40 on Friday and could become only the 11th player in Bundesliga history to feature after reaching that milestone.
Germany's World Cup squad - who could still make the cut?
Several players are heading into the final months of the season with a point to prove to Julian Nagelsmann...
Kompany's fledgling debutants
Erblin Osmani is one of nine youngsters to be handed his Bundesliga bow by the Bayern head coach. Who else is on the list?