Rayane Bounida chooses to represent Morocco over Belgium

The young Belgian-Moroccan talent from Ajax Amsterdam, Rayane Bounida, has chosen to represent Morocco rather than Belgium, according to several reports in the Belgian and Dutch press.

Born in Vilvoorde, Belgium, Rayane Bounida, 20, informed the Belgian Football Federation that he now wishes to represent Morocco instead of the Red Devils, according to the same sources.

According to the media, the Belgian Federation has engaged in numerous discussions with the player and his entourage in recent months to persuade him to continue wearing Belgium's colors, but Bounida ultimately confirmed that his heart beats for Morocco.

Gill Swerts, the coach of the U21 team, and Vincent Mannaert, the sporting director, presented the rising Ajax star with the Federation's sports project for the coming years, but he expressed his desire to represent Morocco.

Bounida, who was called up twice last year for the Belgian U21 team, has played 18 matches this season in the Dutch league with Ajax, scoring one goal and providing four assists.