Munir El Haddadi Reveals Rejecting Spain Call-Up, Commits to Morocco National Team

Munir El Haddadi looks back on his choice to wear the colors of the Moroccan national team. In an interview with the Spanish media Movistar, he revealed that the Roja coach, Luis Enrique, had summoned him a second time a year and a half ago. At the time, FIFA had not authorized the 25-year-old striker to play his first match under the Moroccan colors. Munir El Haddadi says he refused the call-up from the Spanish technician. A refusal motivated by his determination to represent Morocco.

"I told Luis Enrique that I am Moroccan. [...] I think some will be disappointed, but I feel Moroccan and very happy to play for Morocco. I have definitely chosen not to wear the Spain jersey again," said Munir El Haddadi to the Spanish media. He confesses to having cried after FIFA authorized him to defend the colors of the Moroccan national team, while the Court of Arbitration for Sport had prohibited him from changing his sporting nationality.