Neven Subotić opts for Serbia

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Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotić sent a blow before Christmas for the United States national team by chosing to pledge his International allegiance to Serbia.

Eligible to play for Serbia, Bosnia or the U.S., Subotić had until next December 10, his 21st birthday, to chose his senior national team under FIFA rules.

"We wish Neven all the best and continued success in the future," U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati said Thursday.

The 6-foot-4 Subotić was born in Bosnia and was raised in Germany before moving to United States in 1999.

He played on the United States U-17s and U-20s teams and spent the 2006/07 season with Mainz in Germany. He was signed by Dortmund last June after Mainz was relegated from the Bundesliga.

The Serbian Football Federation said on its website that Subotić made the decision 'to return to his roots.' He is expected to debut for Serbia during a tournament in Cyprus in February.

Serbia coach Radomir Antić has said he plans to pair Subotić with Manchester United's Nemanja Vidić in the center of Serbia's defense in next year's World Cup qualifiers.

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