Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones has reacted angrily to an article about him which appeared in an American newspaper on Monday, claiming he has been severely misquoted.

The article implied Jones' decision to represent the US national team in future and turn his back on Germany was racially motivated - something the 27-year-old firmly denies.

In a statement on the Bundesliga club's website, Jones attempted to put the record straight.

"As we discussed possible reasons why I continue to be ignored by the DFB (German Football Association), after considering a few other thoughts, the journalist came to the issue of skin colour," explained Jones.

"I said quite the opposite of what is written in the article, being: 'It has nothing to do with racism. I do not think that you have got to have blond hair and blue eyes to play for Germany."

Jones also claimed an agreement that the story would be emailed to him for approval was not respected and that the article contains other mistakes.

"I am really sorry that a wrong impression has been created by an article," he added.

"I feel very happy in Germany and would have loved to continue playing for the national team, but coach Joachim Low had made it very clear to me that I was not in his plans."