Rabat – Dual-national Ayoub Bouaddi, who was called up to represent France’s under-21 team, has said he is giving himself time to choose between Morocco and France.
He made his remarks during an interview with So Foot Club published on Tuesday.
“Right now, I’m with the France U21 team and I feel good there. And to be completely honest, my only decision for now is to give myself time to choose,” he said.
In March, the head coach of Morocco’s national team spoke about the news of Bouaddi’s call-up by the French U21 squad in a press conference.
“When a player chooses us, we will be happy. If Bouaddi decides to stay with France, that’s his decision, and we won’t lose sleep over it,” he said.
Regragui stressed that in the past, players were making decisions about who to choose at the age of 24-25, or even 27.
“Now, they are making their choices at 18 or 19,” Regragui said, noting that this is a “good thing for us. If we need to wait a few more months for Bouaddi, we will.”
However, the Moroccan coach acknowledged that Bouaddi has promising potential and could be a valuable asset as Morocco strives to establish itself as continental and global footballing powerhouse.
“Bouaddi is one of the biggest talents for the future of world football,” Regragui said, adding that “we want the best players, and he is definitely one of them.”
So Foot Club expressed satisfaction with the football player’s potential, describing him as mature both on and off the pitch.
“I’d say I’m only at 60% of my potential,” he told the sports-focused website, noting that he was influenced by FC Barcelona’s former star Andres Iniesta.
“When I was little, the player who impressed me the most was Andres Iniesta. He just felt the game. And today, like yesterday, there’s Modric. He’s pure class,” the football player said, emphasizing his determination to continue chasing his dreams of excellence and fulfillment.