Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 7y

Fabian Johnson may quit United States team after 2018 World Cup

United States international Fabian Johnson has indicated that he could opt to retire from national team duty after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Johnson, 29, has won 56 caps for the U.S. since making his debut under former coach Jurgen Klinsmann in November 2011.

However, the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder, who can also operate in defence, said his priorities had changed since the birth of his son Sean in March.

"I still really enjoy playing for my country, but there is an agreement with head coach Bruce Arena that I will only play in the more important matches," Johnson told Bild.

He said it "could very well be" that he opts to quit after the 2018 tournament, for which the U.S. has not yet secured qualification.

"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."

The U.S. currently holds the third and final automatic qualifying spot in CONCACAF, three points behind second-placed Costa Rica and one ahead of Panama in the intercontinental playoff spot.

Johnson was part of the team that beat Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 in early June, but he was on the bench for the 1-1 draw with Mexico later that month.

Like other Germany-based U.S. internationals, he is not in the current Gold Cup squad as he prepares for the new Bundesliga season. 

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