Julian Araujo has a simple message for the leadership of U.S. Soccer and the Mexican Football Federation: Show me the opportunities.
The 17-year-old is on the LA Galaxy books, but when it comes to his international future consider him a free agent.
“Yeah, my options are always open,” he said on the Scuffed Soccer podcast. “It’s always about opportunities, whoever is going to give me better opportunities. I’m not going to close the door on Mexico and I’m not going to close the door on the US. Its just that if Mexico comes at me, gives me opportunities I’m going to have to take it, you know?”
Araujo has represented the US youth teams from U-18 up to U-23, most recently competing at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, but that doesn’t make it a lock he’ll continue to represent the country of his birth. His dual citizenship means he has options.
“I haven’t heard anything from [USMNT coach Gregg] Berhalter, I haven’t heard from anyone else. It’s all about opportunities,” he said. “Obviously I wouldn’t close the door on [either] team because I grew up in a Mexican household, I watched Mexico throughout my life. I also watched the US throughout my life and have dual citizenship so I can play for both.”
Araujo is also in no hurry to make that decision. His focus is squarely on the MLS season. He’s risen in the LA Galaxy’s ranks, from academy to Los Dos to now being a regular starter at right back for the first team.
“I’m just working hard right now. I’m not even focused on that,” Araujo said. “Whatever comes will come and whoever comes at me with better opportunities is where I’m going to go because ultimately it’s what soccer is about, it’s about opportunities and that’s what I’m going to do.”
