World Cup 2022: USMNT stories - meet Sergiño Dest

The US men’s national team has released a series of stories to get to know the players on the team and it turns out many of them have interesting backgrounds. USMNT defender Sergiño Dest had the choice of playing for the Dutch national team or the US.

SEE ALSO: World Cup 2022 countdown: live

“I think I can be really proud to be American,” said Dest. “I think this country gives a lot of people a lot of opportunities. And I think we should be thankful for that.”

Dest’s father is a United States serviceman and his mother is Dutch, giving Dest the opportunity to represent both nationalities on the big stage. Dest was born in Almere, Holland and spent the majority of his life there, but played for the US team in two FIFA World Cups. When it came time to make the decision about his international future, Dest remembered the loyalty the US team showed to him.

“I was an IX. I think I was in the under 17. And then I got my first call to play the u17 and u20 World Cup,” said Dest. “They gave me a lot of chances and opportunities and I’m really thankful for that.”

“It’s kind of amazing to be able to play with these guys until this day. To help the country win and achieve a lot of things,” said Dest.

Dest said he went to dinner with USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter to discuss whether he would play for his team or for the Dutch national team. He recalls the effort the USMNT put in to having Dest be part of the team and the chances they gave to him.

“I made my choice, so I called [Ronald] Koeman and I told him I really appreciate it…I wanted you to give me an opportunity for the Dutch national team, but I already was with the US national team, and I felt like it’s a kind of loyalty,” said Dest.

“It was really difficult. They’re both great countries to play for and it was not easy, but in the end, you’re getting older and you have to make decisions in life and this is one I had to make,” said Dest. “I made it, and I still don’t regret it.”