Bilal El Khannous explains why he chose Morocco over Belgium | OneFootball

Not many have the option to play for two of the top international teams in world football. However, 19-year-old Bilal El Khannous was fortunate enough to have both Morocco and Belgium fighting over him. In the end, the Genk midfielder opted for the North African side over his country of birth. In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, the teenager explained his decision.

‘I listened to my heart. That told me to go for Morocco. My grandparents came here from Morocco. They did everything for me and my family. I wanted to give something back to them by playing for the Moroccan national team‘ said El Khannous. His decision seemed vindicated at the World Cup in Qatar, with Morocco going further than Belgium and becoming the first African side to reach the semi-final’s of a World Cup. El Khannous had to accept coming off the bench for most of that tournament, but he will be hoping to feature more at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Morocco have only one the tournament once, and with their World Cup exploits expectations will be high that this generation of Atlas Lions can deliver a second trophy.

Domestically, the midfielder is starting to add more goals to his game. He leads Genk with three goals, already more than the one he managed last season. At just 19, the future is bright for El Khannous and there is little surprise amongst Belgian football fans and pundits that he is attracting interest from top European sides.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson