World Cup 2022 - Adil Rami: "I could have played for Morocco"

World Cup winner with France in 2018, French-Moroccan Adil Rami is torn between the two nations. Born in Bastia, his parents are of Moroccan origin. And the player is very excited about the Morocco-France semi-final. But he has already picked his side. He will be backing his former team-mates, Les Bleus. "France, because I made the choice one day to wear the blue, white and red shirt. But I can just say that part of me is already in the final. Because if Morocco win, I will be proud of my other nationality. Let's enjoy this lovely message of friendship between the two countries", the 35-year-old defender told Le Parisien, as relayed by RMC SPORT.

Adil Rami is nonetheless proud of the run made by his country of origin. He came very close to playing for the Moroccan national team. He had decided to represent the Atlas Lions before backtracking at the last minute. The reason? He explains: "I could have played for Morocco. A long time ago, I was called up by that team, and I had decided to accept. Having started out at the bottom of the ladder, I thought it was a fine reward. For me, it was a stepping stone, because I was afraid of going back to being a gardener for the town hall in Fréjus. But Claude Puel, who was my coach at Lille, told me: 'You don't know your worth. Be patient and it will be the France team.' And that is what happened. But it hurt me to say no."

It is a choice he hardly regrets, since he won the World Cup with France. And this Wednesday evening, the Troyes player will be in front of his television with the tricolour flag to rally his former team-mates.

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