Soufiane El-Faouzi's Decision to Represent Morocco
In a recent interview, Schalke 04 midfielder Soufiane El-Faouzi shared insights into his decision to represent the Moroccan national football team instead of the German Football Association (DFB). The 24-year-old player, who has been a consistent performer for his club, was notably absent from the DFB's latest roster, which was announced by new head coach Jürgen Klopp, who called up a total of 44 players.
El-Faouzi recounted his experiences while being part of the Moroccan setup, highlighting that he had previously participated in a training camp and made his debut during a friendly match against Burundi, where Morocco secured an impressive 5-0 victory. Despite the opportunity to switch allegiance to the DFB, El-Faouzi emphasized that his choice was ultimately motivated by personal feelings and a strong connection with the Moroccan team. "It was a heartfelt decision for me," he stated, expressing excitement about joining fellow players like Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid and Ismael Saibari from Bayern Munich.
Reflecting on Morocco's recent performances, El-Faouzi noted that the team's success in the last two World Cups has significantly raised its profile on the international stage. He conveyed his eagerness to contribute to this momentum, stating, "Morocco is on the rise, and I am thrilled to be a part of it." The midfielder is set to make his next appearance for Morocco in the African Championship qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho, with a friendly match against Ghana also scheduled soon after. This presents El-Faouzi with ample opportunities to showcase his skills on a larger platform.
As reported by sport.sky.de.