Football : Habib Diarra chooses to represent Senegal after declining France
After carefully weighing his options, the talented midfielder Habib Diarra has finally decided to answer the call of his ancestral country by accepting to join the national team of Senegal.
Born in Africa, Habib Diarra grew up in France where he underwent training as a promising footballer. His remarkable performances caught the attention of French football authorities, propelling him to the ranks of the Espoirs (French national youth teams).
However, despite his attachment to his adopted country, the young player didn’t seem to fit into the plans of the under-23 team, currently under the leadership of the illustrious Thierry Henry, for the upcoming Summer Olympics scheduled in Paris this year.
Thus, it’s a golden opportunity for him when Aliou Cissé, the coach of Senegal, reaches out to him. After careful consideration, Diarra has decided to turn down the invitations from France to fully embrace his Senegalese roots.
According to information from L’Équipe, the 20-year-old prodigy has made the decision to no longer respond to call-ups from the French team, preferring instead to proudly represent Senegal on the international stage. His first appearance is expected to be during the two friendly matches scheduled this month against Gabon and Benin, on March 22nd and 26th, 2024, respectively.
This decision marks a turning point in Habib Diarra’s career, as he not only chooses a new sporting direction but also proudly claims his African heritage.
