BELGRADE, Serbia — Defender Neven Subotic has chosen to play soccer for Serbia instead of the United States.

Subotic, who was born in Bosnia and holds an American passport, has played for the U.S. under-17 and under-20s teams. He now plays for Borussia Dortmund in the German league.

Subotic wrote to U.S. soccer officials, informing them of his decision to play for Serbia.

"We wish Neven all the best and continued success in the future," U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati said today.

Subotic had until next Dec. 10, his 21st birthday, to chose his senior national team under rules by soccer's governing body. He could have picked the U.S., Bosnia or Serbia.

The Serbian soccer federation said on its Web site that Subotic, a Bosnian Serb, made the decision "to return to his roots." He is expected to debut for Serbia during a tournament in Cyprus in February.

Serbian coach Radomir Antic has said he plans to pair Subotic with Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic in the center of Serbia's defense in next year's World Cup qualifiers.

Subotic has scored five goals for Dortmund this season in the Bundesliga. He has been linked with a move to Napoli of the Italian league during the January transfer window.