U.S. men’s national team fans have clearly been paying attention to Folarin Balogun’s social media activity.
Last week, in what could have been a response to a snub from England’s senior team, Balogun posted on Instagram: “In life, go where your [sic] appreciated.”
On Monday night in Orlando, USMNT fans did all they could to show the striker that if he chooses the U.S., he will, in fact, be appreciated.
After Balogun’s visit to Orlando, the USMNT faced El Salvador at Exploria Stadium. Fans turned out not only to support the U.S. but to roll out the red carpet for Balogun, who is eligible for England and Nigeria as well.
The American Outlaws handed out signs that read “Balogun Join U.S.” and there were banners reading “We Want Flo” and simply “Flo.” One heroic fan even went to the trouble of getting a Balogun USMNT kit made.
The recruitment continued after the match as well. Balogun’s Arsenal teammate Matt Turner said that the on-loan Reims striker would be an ideal fit for the USMNT.
“I think it’s pretty clear: We obviously would love to have him,” the goalkeeper told reporters. “I think that message is abundantly clear with him. He’s got to make the choice. He’s got to want to play in these games. He’s got to want to travel here and do that.
“In my eyes, it’s a really good fit for him, on the field and off the field. We’ll see. There are always layers to decisions, it’s never just black and white.”
Chris Boyle contributed reporting to this story