“Osame Sahraoui has informed national team coach Ståle Solbakken that he wishes to play for the Moroccan national team,” writes the football national team in a press release on Friday morning.
– First, I want to thank Ståle and the support staff of the national team for the support and trust they have shown me all along. They have presented what Norway has to offer and have called me up to the squad several times. It has been a very difficult choice for me to make, with my heart in both Norway and Morocco, says Sahraoui himself in the message and continues:
– I spoke with Ståle on Sunday, after Kenta and Bjørn Vidar saw me play in the last league match. The last few days have been intense and difficult, but after long discussions with my advisors and family, we made a final decision. I then informed Ståle. It was a difficult conversation, but we have great respect for each other. I also want to thank the guys on the Norwegian national team and wish Norway good luck moving forward.
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– It has been difficult
Sahraoui plays regularly for LOSC Lille in the French Ligue 1. He moved there in the summer and signed a contract that extends all the way to June 2029. He has previously played for Vålerenga and Heerenveen.
The young player has dual citizenship and could thus choose between Norway and Morocco.
Ståle Solbakken reveals that he was informed on Thursday evening that the decision fell in favor of the latter. The Norwegian national team has tried to persuade the young player to wear red, white, and blue.
– Since Osame made his debut against Jordan a year ago, we have had close and regular contact with Osame and his advisors. He has been selected for four squads, but due to injuries, he has only been part of two. We have been aware of the doubts and pressure for him to represent Morocco. In our conversations, we have only argued for why he should choose Norway, because we also have great respect for Morocco as a football nation, says Solbakken in the message.
– I spoke with him as recently as Sunday, believing that he would come to the camp and choose to play for Norway. Our doctor, Ola Sand, was in contact with Osame and the club doctor in Lille on Tuesday due to a sore ankle, without getting any other impression. Last night, I received news from Osame that after careful consideration, he chooses to play for Morocco. We have full respect for that. This is not a club choice, but a choice that lasts a lifetime. I know it has been a difficult choice for Osame. It has been a great pleasure to have him with us. We certainly wish him great luck moving forward,” says national team coach Ståle Solbakken.