Roma’s Rising Star Neil El Aynaoui Chooses Morocco Over France

– bySaid · 1 min read
Roma's Rising Star Neil El Aynaoui Chooses Morocco Over France

The saga surrounding his international future has finally come to an end. Courted for more than a year by the Moroccan national team, Neil El Aynaoui, the 24-year-old midfielder who was recently transferred from RC Lens to AS Roma, has finally made his decision. His name is expected to be on the next list of coach Walid Regragui.

Although he has already worn the colors of Morocco at the U23 level, the young talent was still eligible for the French national team, leaving doubt about his final decision, recalls Footmercato. Recently questioned on the subject after a friendly match, the player had also maintained the ambiguity with a cautious response: "Yes, of course. I had the opportunity to play with the Moroccan youth team. My goal now is to give everything with Roma, and we’ll see what comes next."

But his transfer this summer to a major European club like Roma seems to have accelerated things. Behind-the-scenes discussions were decisive. A recent exchange between the national coach and the player would have sealed the latter’s commitment, who has reaffirmed his desire to wear the jersey of the Atlas Lions at the highest level.

Barring a last-minute turnaround, this decision puts an end to a long wait. Neil El Aynaoui’s name should therefore be on the list that will be unveiled in a week.