“
Long live Algeria.
“It is with this caption under a photo of him with the Algerian jersey that Houssem Aouar formalized his decision to change his sporting nationality.
From today, it is now possible for Djamel Belmadi, the Algerian coach, to summon him to the national team.
No longer called by Didier Deschamps since October 2020, the Lyonnais will have played only one meeting in the France team.
A friendly match against Ukraine (7-1), which allows him despite everything to be able to change sporting nationality.
The post of Houssem Aouar's announcement.
Instagram account Houssem Aouar
Having joined the France team: "a regret"
Interviewed by the Algerian Football Federation channel, Houssem Aouar explained his choice: “
I can understand some thoughts.
It is not a default choice.
I still have many years ahead of me.
I could have waited but there no (...) it is a choice of the heart.
It is a sign of fate.
I will demonstrate what I can do on the pitch.
»
Former French international, he assumes having regretted this choice: “
To be honest, once my choice to join the France team, I felt a regret.
For my part, I had not made the choice that suited me.
»
He thanks the coach and the president of the Algerian federation for “
having reached out to
him ” because not wishing to pass “
for an opportunist
”, he did not see himself “
taking the approach on his own.
“He is already announcing his ambitious goals with the Fennecs: “
I am proud to represent my country.
I will arrive with the desire to give everything.
(...) I hope we can win trophies for the country and qualify for a World Cup.
»
