Why I snubbed Atlas Lion of Morocco – Barcelona star, Yamal

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has explained why he decided to represent Spain at international level rather than Morocco.

Yamal, who was born in Rocafonda, Spain, has a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother. This made him eligible to play for any of the three countries.

He revealed that he once thought seriously about choosing Morocco, especially after they reached the World Cup semi-finals.

However, when the time came to make a decision, he said he always knew Spain was the right choice for him.

“Deep down, I was thinking about Morocco because they had just reached the World Cup semi-finals,” Yamal said, as quoted by TouchlineX. “But when it really mattered, I didn’t hesitate.

With all the love and respect I have for Morocco, I always wanted to play in the EURO and in European football.”

He added that European football attracts more global attention and is closer to the top level of the sport. Playing for Spain, he said, also increases his chances of winning the World Cup.

“Morocco is my country too, and I will always love it,” Yamal said. “But I grew up in Spain, and I feel Spanish as well.”