Brahim Diaz made his international debut for Morocco on Friday as he appeared as a starter in a friendly against Angola.
It was a big game for the Real Madrid winger, who, after much deliberation, chose to represent Morocco over Spain despite having made his debut for La Roja three years back.
Speaking after his debut, Brahim Diaz expressed his happiness while thanking almost everyone possible, including friends and family.
“I am very happy and it was a special day. I received a lot of love. I am proud of that. I felt very good on the pitch and it was a very great start. My teammates looked a lot for me, they gave me the ball and I am happy because I felt loved,” he said (h/t MARCA).
“All the family members who attended were very excited. It is nice to receive this love and now I have to work for the future of the national team,” he added.
Brahim Diaz also thanked King Mohammed VI of Morocco, whose close political aides played a key role in convincing the Real Madrid star to play for Morocco.
“I thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI. I am very grateful for everything he does for football and for the support he always gives to the country,” he said.
Brahim Diaz’s future ambition with Morocco
Brahim Diaz went on to reveal his ambition with the Moroccan national team. He is confident of playing in the Olympic Games in Paris this year, along with next year’s African Cup of Nations.
“I will try to be in every competition I can and in competition they allow me to play. In the end, I am a Real Madrid player and I want to give my best for the club and the national team. Anything I can contribute on the ground, I’d be happy to do it,” he said.
In the meantime, though, Brahim Diaz will be looking for his maiden goal for Morocco as the team takes on Mauritania on Tuesday, in another international friendly.