New York City FC midfielder Mix Diskerud has issued a response to Abby Wambach after the U.S. Women's national team star said she didn't like foreign players playing for the United States.
Wambach told reporters she wasn't necessarily pleased with the way U.S. men's national team boss Jurgen Klinsmann "brought in a bunch of these foreign guys," saying it's "just not something that I believe in wholeheartedly."
Diskerud, born in Norway but a U.S. international through and through, had this to say in response:
Wow Abby,
I guess there are pros and cons in limiting the base for selection.
You have just singled out a few of us. But why? Why are we your single oddballs?
Think about who you try to disenfranchise. Because if you see us as the group to disenfranchise, then at least let it be known who we are.
Stats and history will show - "our group" has more than others produced volunteer and defending soldiers for what, by us, is willingly chosen and gathered to be worth protecting: Your nation.
Wish you would accept it as ours too.
I know we're not quite equal. From "your group of people" the country's Commander in Chief need to be selected. However, other than that - you and I share something not unique, but constitutionally earned, a birthright to defend this nation as an American. Wherever we go. Led by whoever has earned, by democratic process, his/her right to lead, on or off the field, in peace, in war, in practice, or in any other kind of pursuit of your happiness.
Enjoy your retirement. But stay active. We all need you. Oddballs or not.
Mix