Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has lifted the lid on his decision to represent the Spanish national team ahead of Morocco.

Yamal was born in Spain to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother.

The 18-year-old was eligible to represent all three countries but opted to play for La Roja, guiding the Spanish national team to the Euros title in 2024.

In his latest interview, Yamal disclosed that despite his love for Morocco, he wanted to play at the highest level of international football — a platform Spain will offer to achieve that dream.

“Deep down, I was thinking about playing with Morocco. At that time, Morocco had reached the World Cup semi-finals,” Yamal said as quoted by TouchlineX (via 60 Minutes of CBS News).

“But in the moment of truth, I never doubted. With all the love and respect I have for Morocco, I always wanted to play in the EURO and in Europe.

“I believe European football is watched more, and I think it’s closer to the international high level.

“And praise be to God, I did that. It also makes me close to the World Cup with chances to win it… I will always carry love for Morocco, as it is my country too. And I grew up in Spain, and I also feel that it is my country.”

WDN