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Shortly after switching his football allegiance to Morocco, Spanish-born Brahim Diaz opened up about his long-awaited decision.
«I feel 100% Spanish and I feel 100% Moroccan», Diaz said Thursday in an interview with journalist and former Real Madrid player Jorge Valdano.
???? "No voy a dejar de ser español, tengo doble nacionalidad. 100% marroquí y 100% español. El que lo entienda, se lo agradeceré y el que no, espero que algún día lo entienda"
— El Larguero (@ellarguero) March 14, 2024
? @Brahim interrumpe a @ManuCarreno para dejar claro su sentimiento hispano marroquí tras su decisión pic.twitter.com/dVbYl9C2N3
Born in Malaga, Diaz announced earlier this week that he has opted to play for Morocco, his parents' home country, instead of Spain.
«I grew up in Spain», Diaz replied when asked about playing against his former country. «If I have to score a goal against them, I will be delighted, of course, but I would also prefer to score against another team».
«The love that Spain and Morocco have given me is very big», he added. «They are two wonderful countries. I have Moroccan roots, but I grew up in Spain. Would I celebrate a goal against Spain? Right now I don't know what to tell you, but I will tell you that I am 100% convinced of my decision».
Speaking about his decision, Diaz said he relied on his heart. «I'm a boy with dreams, simple», he explained. «The affection and the project that they have shown me in Morocco seem very good to me».
Regarding speculations about his decision and a call-up from the Spanish national team that never came, he said, «I wasn't going to change anything. I wasn't thinking about whether or not Luis Enrique called me to make this decision».
Eligible to play for Morocco through his paternal grandmother, Diaz was summoned by Morocco national football team coach Walid Regragui to debut for the «Atlas Lions» in upcoming friendlies against Angola (March 22nd) and Mauritania (March 26th).
