‘Free to make the decision’: Spain manager on Brahim Diaz playing for Morocco | OneFootball

After a long time spent pondering his international future, Brahim Diaz made his binding decision earlier this week. Having options to play for both the Spanish and Moroccan National Teams, he opted to represent the African nation despite flirting with La Roja for long.

Earlier this month, words spread that the youngster had completed formalities concerning his dual citizenship, thus opening the avenue of playing for Morocco. The player was said to still be undecided, but in the end, Morocco was his call.

Spanish NT manager speaks out

Diaz was included on the pre-lists of both Morocco and Spain ahead of the upcoming international break, and deservedly so considering his great run of form. He will now link up with the African nation’s international setup, permanently giving up on his dream of representing Spain.

Speaking to the media earlier today, Spanish National Team manager Luis de La Fuente commented on Diaz’s decision to snub La Roja and respectfully accepted the player’s decision, as revealed by Arancha Rodriguez.

“I have not spoken to Brahim. I call or I do not call, people do what they have to do. I am not going to talk more. I have probably been the coach who has selected him the most.”

“I have an appreciation for him and I wish him the best. Everyone is free to make the decisions they make. Total and absolute respect,” he added.

He then went on to state three conditions that any player must meet before they commit to a National Team, saying,

“I have also always said that there are three maxims when it comes to being a player. One, that he can play for the national team; two, that want to do it; and three, that the coach calls him up.”

” But the most important thing is to want, without demands and without conditions, with equal rights and obligations with the rest,” he added

Celebrations planned

One of the primary reasons behind Diaz’s decision to represent the country of his origin could well be the repeated requests he received from the federation and the love showered on him.

After all, he can be the player with the centre stage in Morocco, but would only be one among the crowd with La Roja.

As revealed earlier this week, Morocco are planning a big celebration to mark Diaz’s return to the team after persuasion that lasted for years. They will play Angola and Mauritius later this month, and the player could well make his debut during the same.