Leeds United's Junior Firpo opens up on switching allegiances and his international aspirations

Junior Firpo has high hopes of being able to help grow the game in his home country after opting to represent the Dominican Republic. Firpo was born in the Caribbean country, but moved to Spain as a child and went on pick up caps for his adopted nation at under-21 level.

However, despite representing the likes of Barcelona and Real Betis, he has never represented the Spanish senior side. As such, the 27-year-old has decided to switch allegiances to represent the Dominican and he received his first call-up earlier this month.

Firpo has travelled to Santiago this week then, and he will expect to pick up his first international cap when the Dominican Republic host Aruba in a friendly this weekend. He'll also hope to see action in another friendly against Peru next week.

The Leeds United left-back is arguably the most recognisable name in the current Dominican Republic squad and he's determined to put on a strong showing in the colours of his birth nation.

“It’s a pleasure and a pride to be here, to be able to represent my whole family and the whole country, as I have said many times my family is very proud that I am here, and so am I," he told El Caribe, via Sport Witness.

“I wanted to thank the entire federation because in the end they were the ones who made it possible for me to be here, transmitting and showing me that the future of the Dominican Republic is very bright

“I have come to try to do my best, to help grow football in the country, to make football a great power here and I think we have a lot of material for it and a great future. I encourage you to help us, support us, come fill the stadiums and cheer on the team because I’m sure that we will help us give what we have to on the field.”