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In a preseason interview with German outlet Bild, Borussia Monchengladbach and United States international Fabian Johnson says he’s open to the possibility of retiring from international competition after the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
In a wide-ranging Q&A, Johnson also revealed that he has an agreement in place with Bruce Arena to only play for the U.S. men’s national team in the “more important” matches. While he was among the lengthy list of regular first-team players to be omitted from the current Gold Cup roster, he has missed several friendlies in the past several years.
When asked if the 2018 World Cup could be a good stopping point for his international career, the 29-year-old didn’t rule it out saying that it “could very well be” for him.
The German-American has played for the USA 56 times since declaring his allegiance and filing a one-time switch with FIFA in 2011.
With one World Cup already under his belt, Johnson is looking forward to Russia assuming the U.S. can finish the job in the CONCACAF Hexagonal and qualify. He played in every match for the Americans at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
“The World Cup is, in any case, a major goal," he said. "It was outstanding in Brazil, and I am now looking forward to Russia."