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Jens Cajuste, 21, has made rapid strides in his football career.
But the last one, deciding to play for Sweden, was the most difficult.
– It’s a dream, but it was a very difficult decision, he tells Sportbladet.
When Janne Andersson after Wednesday lunch presented the national team squad that will face Denmark first next Wednesday and then Croatia and France in the Nations League, the star shot, Midtjyllands Jens Cajuste was among those selected.
– It’s a dream for me. I feel enormous honor and pride, he says.
But the decision to say yes to Blågult was made with considerable pain.
Father Frantz grew up in the US and his son Jens has dual citizenship and was able to choose between the American and Swedish national soccer teams, and has recently been in a tug of war between the countries.
Close contact with the United States
The captain of the US national team, Gregg Berhalter, has been in contact with the 21-year-old who grew up in both Gothenburg and China, but also visited relatives and relatives in the US.
– It has been a good dialogue with the American Football Association. I am grateful for the way they have shown interest and talked to me. It feels good that they also understood my situation.
Why did you choose Sweden in the end?
– It was a very difficult decision, but Sweden feels more successful. I have played for the U21 team and Sweden with friends and family is mainly at home.
What does your father Frantz think?
– I was very happy regardless of the selection I chose. Today he is proud.
You refused to play for the under-21 team last month. Why?
– I needed to take some time to think about which national team I would play for. I wanted it to be right, to feel good. It does now.
No warranties from Janne
How much have you talked to Janne Andersson?
– We’ve had some contact lately and we’ve talked. I have spoken with Janne and some other leaders of the national team. I have felt that they see me well and know what I represent as a player. It was a good conversation, says Jens Cajuste.
Have you received any guarantees that you will be allowed to play?
– No. Now it’s up to me to make sure I have time to play. I will give everything.
Cajuste played 81 minutes in Midtjylland’s 1-2 loss to Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Photo: Phil Noble / TT NEWS AGENCY
Jens Cajuste in duel with Jordan Henderson of Liverpool.
Next week, he can be a central midfielder against players from the Danish team in the A national team debut for Sweden in Copenhagen.
What are you going to contribute?
– Hard work on defense, offensive ability to push the ball forward and understanding of the game.
– It’s kind of funny that we face Denmark in the first match. I know the players and it is a difficult game. I have followed the Swedish national team for several years, so I know the good players we have in my position. There is fierce competition for places. Sweden has a really good national team, says Jens Cajuste.
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