Andre Gray: Jamaica is the best decision I've made

ARLINGTON, Texas .- Wolverhampton, England-born Andre Gray has waited years to play for Jamaica and is finally getting his opportunity to do so in the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup.

"The process of it took a while, but I'm here now," Gray told Concacaf in an exclusive interview. "I've been enjoying it a lot since I've been here playing for the national team and it's the best decision I've made."

Gray has made three appearances for Jamaica, scoring on his international debut against Serbia in a June friendly. The striker has played twice in the Gold Cup, getting a start in Jamaica's last match -- a 1-0 loss to Costa Rica. Although Gray grew up in the West Midlands of England, he is familiar with Jamaica's culture due to experiencing it in his household.

"I grew up around it my whole life," he said. "I've always been in tune with the culture. The culture, the food, the music."

This is Gray's first Gold Cup and he's been impressed with the stadiums and atmosphere of the tournament so far. It is a world apart from what he has experienced in several tiers of English football, including the Premier League and the Championship.

He has also appreciated the warm welcome he has received from his Jamaican teammates and hopes he can help the team finally secure its first Gold Cup title.

"It would be just unbelievable [if Jamaica were to win]. It is our main goal," Gray said. "That is what we want and we want it bad. I think we have a great opportunity and we have a great group.”

"It means everything, not just to us, but to our country."

One of the Jamaica teammates who has impressed Gray is Leon Bailey. Gray's Watford has secured promotion back to the Premier League after a season in the Championship, and there has been media speculation in the UK that he could be joined in England’s top flight by Bailey, with reports of Premier League interest in the player.

Having trained with the winger, Gray fully believes the 23-year-old Bailey lives up to the hype.

"People rave about him for a reason," Gray said. "He is highly-rated in Europe and he's obviously shown his quality here and in previous Gold Cups. He can go right to the very top."

"At his age, he can only get better. Hopefully, as well as the team, he is the one who can help us get to the final and lift that trophy."

Jamaica's road to the final won't be easy though. The Reggae Boyz take on one of the tournament's favorites in the United States -- a six-time winner. Gray is looking forward to the challenge.

"We are ready," he said. "It isn't going to be an easy game, but [against] any team playing in the quarterfinals, it wouldn't be easy...We all know USA is one of the favorites in the tournament. It's going to be a difficult game, but we're ready, we're confident and we'll see tomorrow."

Does Jamaica have any advantage against the U.S.? Gray wouldn't share.

"It's a secret, I can't tell you," Gray said with a laugh.