“I was extremely nervous” – Nicolo Tresoldi reveals details of Jürgen Klopp call amid Germany-Italy dilemma

Nicolo Tresoldi has opened up about turning down Jürgen Klopp’s call-up to the German national team, as he remains undecided over whether to represent Germany or Italy at senior level.

In an interview with ran, Tresoldi reflected on his correspondence with Klopp, revealing that he was “extremely nervous” before speaking to the 59-year-old on the phone.

“He sent me a message first and signed it off with “Best wishes, Kloppo”. So I immediately knew who it was. After that, we texted and spoke on the phone. It was a really good conversation,” Tresoldi, who is currently with the German U21 national team, revealed in the interview.

"He understood it very well. We had a very good exchange. I hope I made a good impression. He is a great coach and also a great person. So I’m very grateful to him for the conversation and his support.

"I was extremely nervous. I immediately told my parents, who were nervous as well. But in the end, it was simply a very good conversation."

The 22-year-old forward has held several talks with Germany sporting director Rudi Völler as well.

“We’ve spoken several times. He understands my situation very well because he played in Italy for a long time himself and knows both countries. He knows that this decision isn’t easy. For me, it’s something special to be able to speak to someone like him. When strikers of that calibre talk to you, it means something.”

Tresoldi has also spoken to Italy coach Roberto Mancini, who is hoping the forward will choose to represent Italy at senior level.

“Yes, he contacted me too. It was a similar situation. For me, it’s something special when two such successful coaches take the time to speak to me. It shows me that I’m on the right track. I’m very grateful to both of them for that. Everything else will become clear in time,” he said.

At the start of the international break, Tresoldi said he was “50-50” between Germany and Italy – and that hasn't changed.

“My focus is completely on the U21 and not on Germany or Italy. For me, it’s only about these three games. We’ve won two and one is still to come. I want to win, score goals and then we’ll see what happens. These two weeks here have been wonderful and haven’t changed anything about my situation,” he said ahead of Germany U21’s final Euros qualifier against Georgia on Tuesday night.