Eliesse Ben Seghir explains audacious decision to represent Morocco over France

Despite representing France at youth level, AS Monaco’s Eliesse Ben Seghir (19) has spoken about his decision to pledge his international allegiance to Morocco.

The Diagonale academy product has been called up to Walid Regragui’s squad for the first time and could make his international debut later this month. Having pledged his international allegiance to the Atlas Lions, having represented the France U19 side on four occasions, Ben Seghir spoke of “relief” in a press conference, attended by Get French Football News.

“I have had the chance to play for two big footballing nations. It was a difficult choice but one that I deeply considered. I made this choice because of my origins; my parents are Moroccan. It is also a relief and I am very proud. As I said, it wasn’t an easy choice, but my origins won. The FFF (French FA) tried to ‘keep’ me, but once I made this choice, I take responsibility for it,” began the Monaco forward, who has made his return after being struck down by two big injuries this season.

“It’s an audacious [choice], but I could ask another question: why wait when I know what I want? I know what I wanted to I made this choice […] when Morocco call you up, it is very difficult to refuse. Walid presented me with a very good project. He showed me love and the passion that Morocco had to bring me in,” he added.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle