Chelsea Goalkeeper Sami Tlemcani Explains Decision to Represent Algeria Over Morocco

"Some supporters thought my communication was like provocation when it really wasn’t. That wasn’t the case at all. I just wanted to show my pride in playing for Algeria. It’s something I’ve had since I was little. It’s a dream to make my father proud, my family proud. For me, it was just synonymous with pride to display it on social media, not provocation. I don’t understand why people are harassing me," explains Sami Tlemcani in an interview with Onze Mondial. In the past, he had responded to calls from Morocco, before changing his sports nationality.

The promising Chelsea U21 goalkeeper assures that his choice "has nothing to do with being opportunistic." "If people want to know the real story, a week before I chose Algeria, the Morocco goalkeeping coach, Omar Harrak, called me. He wanted to meet me in London to discuss a future selection with the A team. And even after the announcement of my choice for Algeria, he sent me a voice message to tell me that he respected my decision," he added.