Lille Striker Sahraoui Chooses to Represent Morocco Over Norway

"The decision to represent Morocco was very important to me... I grew up in Norway and played with the Norwegian national team in the youth categories, as well as one match with the first team last September... But after long discussions with the coach and my family, I made the decision to represent Morocco... It wasn’t an easy decision, I love both countries, I grew up in Norway and my roots are in Morocco," said Osame Sahraoui during the pre-match press conference against Lyon.

He added: "I feel a great pride in representing Morocco... Everyone welcomed me warmly, and I had the honor of wearing the Lions’ jersey for the first time last October. It was a moment of pride for me and my family, and I will do my best to live up to the expectations."

The young Lille striker took advantage of this platform to invite his teammate Ayyoub Bouaddi, also of Moroccan origin, to join the Atlas Lions’ den. "We need Ayoub with us on the Moroccan national team, and I sometimes drop hints to him about the idea of joining the ’Lions’... He is an exceptional player for his young age, and he has proven his maturity on and off the field."

This season, Osama Sahraoui has already played nine matches for Lille in Ligue 1, during which he has provided three assists.