Fortuna Düsseldorf winger Filimon Gerezgiher has declined a call-up to the Eritrea national team, opting to remain with his club during the current international break.
The 26-year-old Stuttgart native, who has rapidly cemented his status under coach Jens Langeneke, prioritized his domestic form over the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Gerezgiher’s decision follows a surge in form that saw him net his maiden Fortuna goal against Ingolstadt, supplemented by an assist. While the winger previously described his senior international debut as a proud moment for his parents, his current focus is strictly on his club progression. Sportdirektor Patrick Fabian confirmed the internal nature of the choice.
„Bevor ihn irgendjemand nominieren konnte, hat er selber schon gesagt, dass er hierbleiben will. Gar nicht nur mit dem Blick auf das Derby, sondern weil er auch sieht, dass er gerade ins Spielen kommt und das sehr gut macht. Er will hierbleiben, um der Mannschaft, dem Klub und am Ende auch sich selber zu helfen,“ Fabian told Express.”
Accepting the call-up would have mandated over 15,000 flight kilometres of travel, a strain that likely would have sidelined Gerezgiher for Wednesday’s high-stakes Straßenbahnderby against MSV Duisburg. Fabian emphasized that the move was a professional calculation rather than a conflict with footballing authorities.
„Bei der Länderspielreise würde er jetzt nicht aus der Bahn geworfen werden. Das ist ja grundsätzlich etwas Schönes. Aber er hat Fortuna für sich priorisiert und dadurch gab es gar keine Diskussionen mit irgendwelchen Verbänden,“ Fabian added.”
Gerezgiher now aims to channel his momentum into training sessions as the club faces its final fixtures of the calendar year. He is not the only player absent from the pitch; teammates Anas Slimani and Jordi Paulina are also unavailable.
Paulina was spotted on crutches near the arena on Tuesday, ruling out his participation with Curaçao, while Slimani remains sidelined as he recovers from the foot injury that kept him out of the matches against Meppen and Ingolstadt.
