Moroccan national team coach Walid Regragui appeared on the Spanish program El Chiringuito on Tuesday, where he spoke about his experience with the Moroccan squad and addressed the case of Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona star who ultimately chose to represent Spain over Morocco. During the interview, Regragui explained the reasons behind the young star's decision, despite Morocco's efforts to convince him to join the «Atlas Lions». «Lamine Yamal is an exceptional talent from a unique generation», Regragui said. «We tried to bring him into the Moroccan national team, but he chose Spain. We wish him all the best. What he's achieving at his age is remarkable». He added that he had an honest conversation with the player: «He was truthful with me and with the federation. We presented him with our vision for Morocco — the Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in our country, the 2030 World Cup, and all the love Morocco could offer him — but he never lied or pretended to be torn between Morocco and Spain». «He told me after just two or three days. He called me with great respect and said, 'Coach, I thank you for everything, but I have chosen Spain. I feel Spanish, I've played for their national teams since I was young, and I want to continue all the way to the senior squad'», Regragui recalls. Despite Lamine Yamal's decision, Regragui emphasized that he holds no hard feelings: «Of course, we want to bring the best players to the national team, but we wish him success. He's an honest young man, and I really appreciated that conversation. He will be one of the great stars of world football».
