Why I Chose to Represent Spain over Morocco, Says Yamal

Barcelona winger, Lamine Yamal, has revealed why he opted to represent the national football team of Spain over Morocco.

Yamal was born in Rocafonda, Spain, to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother.

The 18-year-old was eligible to play for Spain, Morocco and Equatorial Guinea.

“Deep down, I was thinking about playing with Morocco. At that time, Morocco had reached the World Cup semi-finals,” Yamal said as quoted by TouchlineX (via 60 Minutes of CBS News).

“But in the moment of truth, I never doubted. With all the love and respect I have for Morocco, I always wanted to play in the EURO and in Europe.

“I believe European football is watched more, and I think it’s closer to the international high level.

“And praise be to God, I did that. It also makes me close to the World Cup with chances to win it… I will always carry love for Morocco, as it is my country too. And I grew up in Spain, and I also feel that it is my country.”