Brahim Diaz gives the reasons for his choice to join the Atlas Lions

"I always decide with my heart and that was the case this time too. I’m a boy with dreams, simple," Brahim said in an interview with Cedena Ser, assuring that he is not about to go back on his decision even if the Roja coach called him up. "The decision has been made. Now, it’s not worth thinking about what would have happened if... I wouldn’t have changed anything. I wasn’t wondering if Luis De La Fuente would call me or not to make this decision. [...] I tell you that I am 100% convinced of my decision," he launched.

Brahim, who was born on August 3, 1999 in Malaga to a mother from that city, Patricia Díaz, and a father of Moroccan origin from Melilla, Sufiel Abdelkader Mohand, says he is proud of his Moroccan roots. "I am 100% Spanish and 100% Moroccan. I grew up in Spain, yes, but I have my roots in Morocco," he said, also expressing his love for his father’s country. "If I have to score a goal against Spain, I will be delighted, of course, but I would also prefer to score goals against another team. The love that Spain and Morocco have given me is very great, they are two wonderful countries."

Diaz started his international career in the Spanish youth categories, but he did not have the opportunity to play in the senior team. Luis de la Fuente played an important role in this career. Even though he did not call him up, the 24-year-old player wanted to express his gratitude to the Roja coach for everything they "have experienced together." "I am very grateful to the coach, he has been part of my evolution," he reiterated.

To read: Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz Opts to Represent Morocco in International Soccer

Brahim should play the next friendly matches of the Atlas Lions. The Moroccan team will face Angola on Friday, March 22, before crossing swords with Mauritania on Tuesday, March 26 at the Grand Stade d’Agadir during the next international break. The Spanish-Moroccan striker will also have the opportunity to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics and the next CAN to be held in the kingdom in 2025.