The 20-year-old has decided to play for the Austrian national team in the future – and thus against a career with the German Football Association (DFB). This is what he reports Sky-Journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Wanner spoke openly to Sky about the difficult decision-making process: “This decision was probably the hardest of my career. Because of my parents, my upbringing and the stages of my career, I really have two hearts in my chest. I feel incredibly honored that two associations tried to convince me to play for their national team.”

The exchange with Austria’s team boss Ralf Rangnick played a particularly important role. “The exchange with the Austrian association has been going on for a long time, and I had very open and honest discussions with Ralf Rangnick and his coaching team over a long period of time,” explained Wanner. These discussions have been intensified again in the past few weeks.

“It’s about what you feel”: Wanner explains DFB cancellation

The 20-year-old also paid great respect to the DFB. “I am very grateful to Antonio Di Salvo, Julian Nagelsmann and the entire DFB. All discussions were fair and on equal terms, without pressure,” said Wanner. There were no guarantees from either side: “In the end, this decision shouldn’t depend on short-term considerations or promises. It’s about what you feel.”

After many conversations – including with his family – clarity finally emerged: “I got the feeling and the realization: I want to play for Austria.”