Tunisia miss out as Rani Khedira rejects Carthage Eagles call-up

Rani Khedira has decided against representing Tunisia at international level, ending the Tunisian Football Federation’s attempts to convince the Union Berlin midfielder to join the Carthage Eagles.

According to reports from Radio Mosaïque FM, Khedira has made a firm decision not to wear the Tunisia national team shirt despite approaches from the federation in recent months.

The 32-year-old was eligible to represent Tunisia through his father, while his mother is German. He is also the younger brother of former Germany international Sami Khedira.

The Tunisian federation had hoped Khedira would bring his experience and physical presence to the national team’s midfield. However, those efforts have now ended with the midfielder choosing not to accept an international call-up.

Khedira’s decision is understood to be linked to his view that he should not take the place of players who had been involved throughout Tunisia’s qualifying campaign.

The midfielder therefore prefers to continue concentrating on his club career with Union Berlin rather than pursuing an international career with Tunisia.

His decision represents a setback for the Tunisian Football Federation, which had made several attempts to persuade him to make himself available for the Carthage Eagles.

Khedira’s international eligibility had made him an option for Tunisia’s midfield, particularly because of his experience playing at club level in Germany.

However, his latest decision appears to settle the question of which national team he will represent. With Khedira choosing not to join Tunisia, the national team’s coaching staff will now have to look elsewhere for midfield options.

The decision also means Tunisia will not be able to add Khedira’s experience and physical qualities to their squad for upcoming African competitions.

For Khedira, the focus will remain on his club career with Union Berlin. The midfielder has chosen to concentrate on his performances in the Bundesliga rather than accept the opportunity to play international football for his father’s country.

The Tunisian national team had continued to hope that Khedira could eventually change his mind, but the latest report indicates that his position is now clear.

With the midfielder closing the door on the Carthage Eagles, the Tunisian Football Federation will have to move forward without him and consider other players as it looks to strengthen its midfield options for future competitions.