Chicago Fire striker and MLS Golden Boot contender Nemanja Nikolicannounced on social media Friday his intentions to turn down an invitation to Hungary's upcoming World Cup qualifying matches, choosing instead to remain with the Fire as they continue their push for a Supporters' Shield trophy and a deep run in the MLS Cup playoffs.
The Hungarian side is due to face Latvia on August 31 and Portugal on Sept. 3, with both matches being played in Budapest, Hungary. Hungary currently sit third (2-1-3, 7 pts.) in UEFA Group B qualifying standings, behind first-place Switzerland (18 pts.) and Portugal (15 pts.).
Were he to participate, Nikolic -- who has 23 career caps for Hungary -- would likely miss Chicago Fire matches against Minnesota United FC (August 26) and the Montreal Impact (Sept. 2).
Nikolic, whose 16 goals are second-most in MLS, expounded on his commitment to making the 2017 season a special one for the Fire in a lengthy Instagram post, translated below:
Friendly Fans! I have decided not to take part in the next two World Cup qualifiers for the national team. Many people did not take it seriously when I talked to America when I arrived, to write history with Chicago. Veljko Paunovic's coach or Bastian Schweinsteiger has believed and believes that this is a special season in the team's life. Within seven months, we have achieved a lot, achieved and I think I would be in the future if I did not give myself the chance to get the maximum out of this season. I would like to fight for the championship and the goalscoring title! Ever since I was a national team, I was always available, I made the first place for the national team when they did not favor, but for the first time, my career has to be the most important place. Nobody thinks this is a revenge on my part, and even my first job was to inform the captain of my decision. Bernd Storck was correct, he took note of my arguments, understood my determination and provided support. I would miss two MLS matches, and who knows how to withstand the many trips and time shifts. In my club, I'm in full width. They appreciate being subordinated to something to make something permanent in Chicago. Of course, I will play the whole team, as I have done so far!
