HARRISON, N.J. – New York Red Bulls midfielder Joel Lindpere told MLSsoccer.com that he'll decide on Monday whether to accept a call-up from the Estonian National Team for Friday's Euro 2012 qualifer against Italy.
Earlier this month, Lindpere declined a call-up for Estonia’s qualifier against the Faroe Islands. Citing excessive travel – Lindpere played an away match in Chicago just days before the scheduled international – the Red Bulls midfielder stayed and trained with the MLS side.
The 28-year-old Lindpere has been part of the Estonian set-up since 1999. Though he's not yet ready to close the door on his national-team career, he said he’s evaluating that, too.
“I am just deciding on Monday about this game, the one this week that is coming up,” Lindpere said. “I have been with the national team now a long time over the past few years and, coming from a small country, it means a lot to me. I am proud of it. But my career is important, too. I want to make the right decision.”
Lindpere has scored two goals with the Red Bulls this season and has represented Estonia more than 70 times, including captaining the national team. Estonia have never beaten Italy.
Kristian R. Dyer can be reached for comment at KristianRDyer@yahoo.com and followed at twitter.com/kdyer1012
