John Brooks leaves the door open for potential USMNT return

After a two-year absence, current Hoffenheim defender John Brooks opened up about his desire to return to the United States Men’s National Team.

It’s been a two-year absence from the Stars and Stripes for the ex-Wolfsburg player, where then-head coach Gregg Berhalter froze him out because his playing style didn't fit the coach's tactics. After moving to Hoffenheim, where he’s seen more regular playing time, Brooks feels he can return to the USMNT. 

“I think if I perform well here I can still be an option for the national team. I’m not that old yet. At the time I was very interested in American culture and wanted to get to know it better,” the defender said.

“I always spoke English with my father and went to an English-speaking school, but apart from that I had a German life. For me, traveling with the national team was also a chance to learn more about my father’s origins.”

In 2014, Brooks was chosen to be part of the USMNT's World Cup team. He played in only one game but managed to score the winning goal against Ghana during the first group-stage match.

"Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps," he recalled. “Somehow the guy from the flank found my head. I’ll never forget that moment. I didn’t know what to do after that. I was stunned and just overjoyed.”

John Brooks will have his opportunity to return to the team this summer where the USMNT will look to retain their CONCACAF Gold Cup title., starting June 24th.