Sofiane Diop’s decision to represent Morocco was not an easy one. Torn between his two backgrounds, the 25-year-old said in an interview with RFI that he had given the matter considerable thought before making his choice, while stressing that his attachment to Senegal remains unchanged.
“I wanted to learn more about Moroccan culture because I had become very used to going to Senegal and wanted to reconnect with my Moroccan culture. It was a very difficult choice, but that takes nothing away from my love for Senegal. I am Senegalese, so there is no question about that in my mind. But when it came to choosing a national team, I had to make a decision, and I chose Morocco,” he said.
It is a decision he fully embraces and one that has brought great pride to those around him. “There is pride all around, for my family and my friends. I am very happy I chose Morocco,” he added.
Read also : Ouahbi to announce Morocco squad for Niger games on November 4
As for his ambitions with the Atlas Lions, Diop intends to earn his place primarily through his performances at club level.
“My objective is first and foremost to perform consistently. My performances at club level are important. There is a lot of competition in the Atlas Lions squad, and you have to perform well for your club to earn a place in the national team. I know what I have to do now,” he said.
Diop received his first call-up to the Atlas Lions in March 2024 under Walid Regragui. He made his debut for Morocco in friendly matches against Angola and Mauritania.
