Alexi Lalas Sends Strong Message After Noahkai Banks Prefers Germany Over USMNT

Alexi Lalas Strongly Reacts To Noahi Banks Leaning Towards Germany Reports

"This actually makes me happy. The national team has to be something more and bigger than yourself. To those out there, again, who are disappointed, angry, and critical, keep in mind that there have been plenty over the years who have picked the United States."

Lalas even commented that he wishes Banks well in his international career and that he hopes he fulfills his dream of representing the country he loves.

He said, "I just refuse to look at it as a loss, and so I wish Noahkai Banks well when it comes to his international career, and I hope that he gets to live out that dream of playing for the country that he obviously loves."

On Wednesday, German outlet Kicker reported that Banks, 19, will not be nominated for the international matches in March despite several exchanges with the U.S. federation.

The reason is that "Banks is leaning more towards the German Football Association (DFB) and wants to keep the option open of playing for Germany in the future."