Ryan Johansson has seemingly ended speculation over his international future and declared for Sweden.
The versatile 18-year old has represented the Republic of Ireland at U19 level, but most recently lined out for the U21s of Luxembourg.
Johansson completed a move from Bayern Munich to Sevilla today, signing a six-year deal with the La Liga club.
The midfielder's international eligibility also takes in Sweden courtesy of his Swedish father, Thomas.
Johansson's mother Christine is Irish but, as Dan McDonnell explained late last year, she was born in England to Irish parents.
While his parents are based in Luxembourg, he applied for a Swedish passport as it was a simpler option than the Irish passport process.
Johansson acquired a Luxembourg passport at age 12, but his failure to apply for Irish citizenship before his first underage appearance for Luxembourg provided added complications.
Following an indication that he wished to continue playing for Ireland late last year, he was informed by FIFA that he would not be able to continue in a green jersey as he had not applied for an Irish passport.
Following his move to Sevilla, Johansson's agent Hasan Cetinkaya was quoted in Swedish paper Expressen as saying, "It's been hard. There has been a lot of pressure from Ireland."
Centinkaya implies that he influenced the decision, telling the family, "Is your name Johansson, then there is only one country that you can represent".
The agent claims to have been in communication with Swedish FA General Secretary Hakan Sjostrand about Johansson, with Centikaya adding, "It has been very sensitive and difficult for him to make this decision. But… I have worked for the best of Swedish football here and that is what Sjostrand knows about."
While there is still no confirmation of his declaration from Johansson himself, the midfielder is delighted to have joined Sevilla.
He told the club's site, "It is a dream come true.
"I think Sevilla is a perfect club for me at this point in my career and I hope to play for the first team very soon.
"It was a very easy decision for me to come here, where I can improve and help the team in the future. I think I can progress at first with the reserves and adapt myself to the club so I can make the first team, hopefully it's very soon."
