His ‘regret’ about playing with the Blues, his ‘choice of heart’ for Algeria: Hossem Aouar explains

The midfielder of Olympique Lyon has officially decided to develop under the jersey of the Algerian selection. In an interview with the Federation, he told the wrong side of his thinking. Houssem Aouar explains that in the summer he was contacted by the president of the Algerian organization Jahid Zefizef. This prompted him to join the Fennecs.

“Honestly, this is something that was on my mind for a very long time, but I could not imagine that I would do it myself, because I was afraid that I would be considered an opportunist,” the 24-year-old man detailed. And then the coach and the president extended their hand to me, so inevitably I saw this as a sign of fate. I saw that I had a second chance, and jumped at it, because I think this is something that should not be missed.

In the past, the Lyons preferred the French team. He went through the youth categories and even played a friendly match with Team A. It was in October 2020 against Ukraine (7-1 win). “To be honest, once having made a choice in favor of the French team, I just felt regret and felt that on my part and personally, I did not make the choice that suited me. »

“Heart’s Choice”

The midfielder wanted to reassure the Algerian fans, knowing the expectations around him. “Of course, there will be those who will believe that this is a default choice or an opportunistic choice, but if it was a default choice, I would not do it now, because I am only 24 years old,” he assured. I have over ten more years of career to go, so if it was the default choice, to be honest, I could wait until 27 or 28. But no, not at all. It’s not a default choice, it’s a choice of the heart. »

Houssem Aouar also admitted to the ties that bind him to Algeria: “For me, this is something very strong. My relationship with Algeria is very strong and very close, because from an early age I went there every summer with my mother and family.” Coach Djamel Belmadi will announce his group this Friday for a double showdown with Niger (March 23 and 27). Houssem Aouar could play his first minutes there with Algeria.