Paul Wanner Turns Down A Call-up To The German National Team. For Now, He Wants To Develop

Regarding his decision to decline a call-up to the German national team this month, Paul Wanner has explained himself.

Julian Nagelsmann’s call-up to the German national team for their UEFA Nations League games this month was turned down by Paul Wanner.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who can play for Austria and Germany, has now given an explanation for the turn down.

During an interview, Wanner stated,

“I think everyone knows that I have a great relationship with Julian because we’ve known each other for a long time and we’re in regular contact”.

Julian gave him Bayern’s youngest Bundesliga debutant ever, in January 2022, at the age of sixteen years and fifteen days, he said.

“Basically, I said weeks ago that I just want to develop as much as possible over the next few months and I don’t really want to worry about making a final decision about my international future. I just want to follow my own path and my own development,” added Wanner, who has impressed on loan at Heidenheim from Bayern Munich this season.

The 18-year-old hopes to play for Germany’s U-21 team at the European Championship the following year and wants to keep playing for them.

“I am looking forward to playing for Germany at U21 level as normal and making my mark there for the time being. I want to continue my development there step by step.”

According to Bild, Wanner is currently “clearly leaning towards” playing for Germany rather than Austria. But for now, he just wants to mature as a player.

“In general, too much fuss is made about players who have the opportunity to play for two countries. I don’t want to take advantage of that. I want to have clearly earned this status as a senior international,” he said.

Paul Wanner has played international youth competitions for Germany.