It has come to light that the football governing body in Morocco and the government made every effort to convince Lamine Yamal to play for the Atlas Lions.
Unfortunately, the talented teenager born in Spain was determined to play for La Roja and followed his heart.
According to Albert Luque, former Spain national team football director, the interest from Morocco was so strong and led to a battle between the two countries over Lamine Yamal.
Speaking to El Laguero, Albert Luque admitted that although Spain eventually won the battle, it was a difficult one.
“It was not an easy case. The coach of Morocco spoke to Lamine directly, and the Moroccan government tried to convince him.
“When I spoke to him, he told me: ‘I want to be European champion, they are pressing me everywhere but I want to play for Spain.’ [This was before he made his debut].
“The case of Lamine’s father was more complicated. He told me that in Morocco, they were going to kill him. He told me some things that I really can’t say here.
“Lamine’s mother is the person who supported him the most to play for Spain,” Luque revealed.
Despite missing out on Lamine Yamal, the football governing body in Morocco was successful in convincing Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz to play for the Atlas Lions.
He has become one of the key players for the Moroccan national team.
