Nestory Irankunda wants a Socceroos call-up, and insists he wanted to play for the Olyroos too.
The Bayern Munich-bound teenager is confident he's building his game right as he prepares for the next step of his burgeoning career.
Irankunda, 18, has been the talk of Australian football in recent weeks.
The Adelaide United wunderkind was left out of the Olyroos squad for the U23 Asian Cup, which doubles as Olympic qualifying.
Then he was reportedly sounded out for an 11th hour call-up, which didn't come to fruition, before rival A-League Men clubs attempted, and failed, to have him stood down from domestic duties for the tournament's duration.
Days after the Olyroos were knocked out in embarrassing fashion without him, failing to score a goal in their group stage exit in Qatar, Irankunda was calm.
"I've been normal, relaxed. I haven't ever really had a look at it or think about it. I've been really focused on Adelaide football," he said in Melbourne on Tuesday.
"Yeah, I did want to go, originally. But I wasn't selected so I can't really do much about it.
"I watched the first game. And I watched the second one - their game against Indonesia. Obviously it was great to watch a couple of my friends."
The disappointment seemingly hasn't affected Irankunda's desire to play for his country.
When asked whether he wanted to play for the Socceroos in the future, Irankunda, who was called up for last March's friendlies against Ecuador but didn't play, said: "Yeah, of course.
"It's a dream of mine, a cap for the Socceroos, to make history, get a few goals for them as well.
"But yeah, I wouldn't mind getting a call-up."
Irankunda will showcase his talents on home soil three more times before heading to Germany.
He has two more games with Adelaide, then will play for the A-League All Stars against Premier League club Newcastle.
Irankunda was picked to play against Barcelona as a 16-year-old the last time an All Stars team was assembled - in 2022 - which he described as a "dream come true".
He has loftier ambitions this time.
"Hopefully get a goal," he said.
"A few goals, actually."
Irankunda has always had a thumping right foot, which he calls "a gift from my dad".
But he has also matured, adding six assists to his eight goals this campaign.
"Obviously I've improved a lot during the season," he said.
"I had a slow start but I've kind of finished strong now with a few goals and a few assists. Yeah, I guess I've shown that I can also get assists, not just goals.
"So that's something you'd want in a player."
He isn't thinking too far ahead as he prepares to move across the world.
"Enjoying my life here," Irankunda said.
"Learning a little bit of German, but I'm struggling a little bit. But I'll be alright."
And can he contribute at Bayern as early as next season?
"Possibly. Hopefully," Irankunda said.
"We'll see what happens."
Australian Associated Press
