Islam Slimani has called on Rayan Cherki to make a decision guided by his heart regarding his international future.
The two players, who were teammates at Lyon between January 2021 and 2022, share a connection through their time at the club.
While Slimani has long represented Algeria at the international level, Cherki continues to leave fans guessing about his sporting nationality.
In an interview with El Khabar, Slimani spoke candidly about his thoughts on the matter.
The former Sporting Portugal forward expressed that Cherki should make a choice that resonates deeply with him.
“At the time I was around him, he was still very young and did not really think about his international future or the Algerian team in particular.
But things change over time. In any case, my position remains unchanged: the national team is not a club that you choose.
Either you are Algerian or you are not,” Slimani remarked.
Rayan Cherki, now 21 years old, has already featured for France’s youth teams but has yet to commit to a senior national side.
The talented midfielder remains eligible to represent Algeria, France, or Italy at the senior level, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his decision.
Despite speculation, Cherki has not made any public statements about the country he intends to represent on the international stage.
Slimani’s comments highlight the passion and pride that come with representing Algeria, a sentiment that resonates deeply with many fans and players.
While the decision ultimately lies with Cherki, it’s clear that his choice will carry significant weight not only for his career but also for the expectations of supporters from multiple nations.
As Cherki’s future hangs in the balance, the football world continues to watch closely, awaiting the young player’s declaration of loyalty.
Whatever his choice, it’s certain to be a defining moment in his career and a reflection of where his heart truly lies.
