“I always had a connection to France” – Michael Olise explains decision to play for France over England | OneFootball

In a press conference ahead of the upcoming international break, Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Michael Olise (22) was asked about why he chose to represent France ahead of his native England. The London-born attacker has been given his first senior call-up by Didier Deschamps to the France squad as they prepare to face Italy and Belgium in the Nations League.

Born in England, Olise also had the opportunity to represent the Three Lions. The former Crystal Palace attacking midfielder is eligible to represent Les Bleus due to his mother being French. However, this is not the reason the 22-year-old provided when quizzed on his decision to play for France instead of his homeland. When asked Olise said, “I have always had a connection with the France national team, that is why I play for France.”

Despite having some difficulties with imperfect French during the press conference, the Bayern Munich man has not had those similar difficulties in a Les Bleus shirt so far. Representing Les Bleuets at the Olympics, the former Reading winger was electric as he was involved in 7 of France’s 11 goals at the tournament.

GFFN | Liam Wraith