Green asks FIFA for switch from Germany to U.S.

CHICAGO (AP) - Bayern Munich forward Julian Green wants to play for the United States and has applied to FIFA to change his association from Germany.

The 18-year-old, who was born in Tampa, Fla., played for Germany in three qualifiers for the 2014 European Under-19 Championship, making his debut last Oct. 10 against Belarus.

He made his professional debut for Bayern on Nov. 27 as an 88th-minute substitute in a Champions League match at CSKA Moscow.

Since 2009, FIFA has allowed a one-time change in national team affiliation for a player who has appeared in an official match for a youth national team - as long as the player had dual citizenship at the time.

"We are absolutely thrilled," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said in a statement Tuesday. "He is a very special talent. We wanted him to feel comfortable with our program and listen to his heart when making this decision."

Green trained with the U.S. squad in Germany this month ahead of its friendly against Ukraine.

"Obviously this was a big decision, and I spent a long time discussing it with my family," Green said in a statement issued by the U.S. Soccer Federation. "I was born in Florida and my father still lives there, so I have deep roots in the U.S. I'm very proud to be representing the United States.

"A big part of the decision was the experience I had in Frankfurt. All the players were super nice and welcomed me from the beginning. Clint Dempsey gave me a jersey with my name on it, and the way they supported me gave me a lot of belief. The coaches have shown a lot of trust in me, and now I hope to do everything I can to earn a spot on the World Cup roster."

Green has been invited to the U.S. training camp ahead of an April 2 friendly against Mexico in Glendale, Ariz.