He was hardly open about it. Avoided call ups and didnt explain himself from 2015-2018.
I formerly criticised Boyd for being unavailable for the AWs. It was often the lack of news as to why he was unavailable from either NZF or Boyd himself, that was frustrating. Sounds like Hudson basically gave up after he choose to not go to PNG for the last OFC Nations Cup, when Huddo was struggling to put together a squad.
However last year Boyd finally gave some of his reasons, in this article re his AWs non availability.
Basically before going to Portugal, his life had been split between NZ & the States. He felt torn between the 2 countries. Kiwi father, American mother.
To be fair to him it's a pretty reasonable/normal conflict. Winston Reid left NZ for Denmark when he was 10, then left for West Ham when he was 20-21. Most of his serious football development would have happened in Denmark, but luckily for us he choose the AWs. It probably upset a few good folk in the Danish football community. He played for the Danish under-19s and under-21s.
NZ have also benefited from Smith, Weemac & Rory Falloon, switching allegiance. Glenn Moss & Shane Smeltz lets be honest are more Aussies than Kiwis. You win some, you lose some.
It's hugely disappointing for the AWs as Boyd's career is really starting to take off. Him upfront with Wood, could have been a great partnership by the standards of NZ. Sadly it won't happen, but he don't deserve the hate.
Just wonder what Declan thinks about this. Disappointed that one of his proteges has left NZ football, or proud that he's likely to be picked up by a 'bigger' football nation?
No doubt one attraction for Boyd in attempting to make Team USA, will be potentially playing with wonder kid Christian Pulisic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CphvE4UWTQ
Plus WC 2026 will be in USA/Canada/Mexico.
Boyd would be age 31 then, so if good enough - that would be a massive event to be part of, playing for the hosts.