Jonathan Gonzalez: Choosing Mexico over U.S. was 'the perfect decision'

Jonathan Gonzalez is delighted he accepted the call from Mexico when it came, rather than continuing to wait for an opportunity in the United States senior fold.

The Californian represented his birth country at youth level, but he has become part of the furniture in Liga MX for Monterrey, who are currently positioned second in the Apertura stage. His bond with Mexico strengthened when he opted to play under Juan Carlos Osorio against Bosnia and Herzegovina in January.

Gonzalez could still technically play for the United States since he's only appeared in two non-competitive fixtures for El Tri, but is expected to take on his homeland in Tuesday's friendly in Tennessee. Ricardo "Tuca" Ferretti will oversee Gonzalez and his international colleagues as interim coach in that match since Osorio departed after the World Cup and then took over Paraguay.

"I made the perfect decision," the 19-year-old midfielder told Univision, as reported by ESPN's Tom Marshall. "Everything went perfectly. I'm very content, very happy to be here and that Mexico has opened its doors to me."

The decision to play for Mexico is faring well for Gonzalez so far, though he's admitted it wasn't a straightforward choice. He needed to ask for guidance.

"Honestly, it wasn't an easy decision, I called my parents straight away. Their opinion is vital," he said of being contacted by both countries' camps on the same day.

"Now I'm happy knowing that I'm here. I decided because of the structure; everything Mexico brings from the youth teams to the first team. I think it is exceptional, the history there is and above all because I am Mexican."

And against the United States on Tuesday, Gonzalez wants to prove his commitment to the green, white, and red.

"It is something new for me, I'm experiencing it from this side," he stated. "It is a clasico, they are different, now I'll give everything for this shirt."