“Even if I was told that I would have a 100% starting place in the Belgium team, while my chances with Morocco would not exceed 10%, it would be difficult for me to change my choice. I want to give everything I have to get my chance with the Lions,” said Zakaria El Ouhadi in an interview with Belgian media Nieuwsblad.
The 22-year-old expressed his pride in defending the Moroccan colors: “I won the Olympic bronze medal with Morocco, and I won the African Under-23 Cup. I have always worn this jersey with pride, and I made this decision with a sincere heart. »
To read: Zakaria El Ouahdi: Belgium makes eyes at him, but his heart is Moroccan
The Belgian-Moroccan striker says he has fond memories of his participation in the Paris Games with the Moroccan Olympic team. “I found myself in a team made up of big stars like Hakimi, the tournament’s top scorer Rahimi, and goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi… These players I always encouraged in front of my television. »
And added: “I discovered that they were very modest. Achraf Hakimi immediately made me feel comfortable, and when I performed well on the left side, I felt like I was part of the team. The Olympic bronze medal is safe with my parents, and it will always remain one of the trophies I am most proud of. »
Morocco
