Despite playing one game with the Democratic Republic of the Congo national team, Seattle Sounders midfielder Steve Zakuani says he is not 'tied down' to them. The 22-year old was born in Congo but is also eligible to represent both England and the USA.

There has been a running debate as to which national team he would choose to play for and it seemed as though he had chosen his nation of birth when he played in a friendly against Mali in November.

But the former Arsenal trainee said that particular match was not recognized by FIFA, meaning he has still not pledged his allegiance to the country formerly known as Zaire.

"I think something that people don't know maybe is it wasn't an official FIFA game," he told the Seattle Times. "As much as it was a lot of fun ... it didn't really tie me down to Congo."

And Zakuani said that he is still yet to decide on his international playing future.

"These days as much as it is a pride decision, it's also a footballing decision," he said. "I have to give myself the best chance of advancing my career."