Germany call-up left Amiri in tears

Nadiem Amiri has revealed he was in tears after learning he had been called up to the Germany squad for the first time in years.

Hard work has paid off for Mainz midfielder Nadiem Amiri, as he was named in Germany’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Italy.

The call-up was a relief for the 28-year-old, who hasn’t represented Germany since 2020.

“It had been my dream for such a long time to be able to be called-up to the Germany squad again,” Amiri said after the squad was announced on Thursday. 

“I have been working hard every day to continue to improve and after I got that call from national team coach Julian Nagelsmann on Tuesday to tell me I had been selected, I was in tears. 

“Nevertheless, even though I am really happy about my call-up, focus remains until Monday on our upcoming clash with Freiburg. Our league form is the reason why Mainz 05 have now had two players nominated for the Germany squad and we now want to do the fans proud – in a Mainz shirt as well as that of Germany.”

Amiri has featured a total of five times for Germany’s senior side in the past.