With a Chinese mother, American father and a solid start to life in Major League Soccer under his belt, Beau Leroux could be forgiven for thinking about where his international loyalties might lie.
But while the San Jose Earthquakes midfielder said representing China had crossed his mind, his focus was firmly on earning a spot in the United States squad ahead of a home World Cup next year.
It is a tournament his mother’s home nation are struggling to qualify for, and despite naturalising Brazil-born midfielder Serginho in an attempt to boost their hopes, China are bottom of Group C with two matches to go.
Floundering in their quest to end a 24-year wait to reach a World Cup, the Chinese team flopped at last year’s AFC Asian Cup finals too, when they failed to score in three group matches.
Still, there has been no contact between Leroux and football bosses on the mainland.
“Playing for China has been a thought of mine, but, right now, I’m trying to make the US roster,” Leroux said. “The World Cup is always in my mind, but I’ll see what the future holds for me.”
