Leny Yoro chooses France as Ivory Coast hopes end

Leny Yoro is set to make his first appearance for France after being called up to replace injured defender Ibrahima Konaté, ending Ivory Coast’s hopes of seeing the Manchester United player represent the Elephants.

The 20 year old centre back has been added to the France squad by the national team coach as a replacement for Konaté.

The call up represents an important moment in Yoro’s international career as he prepares to make his first appearance for Les Bleus.

Yoro’s decision also settles a long running question over which country he would represent at international level.

The Manchester United defender has Ivorian heritage and had been of interest to the Ivory Coast federation, which had hoped he could eventually choose to play for the Elephants.

His selection for France now brings that possibility to an end.

By accepting the call up and preparing to make his debut for France, Yoro has committed his international future to the European country, meaning he will no longer be available to represent Ivory Coast.

For the Ivorian federation, the decision closes a chapter that had been closely followed by supporters and scouts in the country.

Yoro’s emergence as a young centre back had generated interest because of his Ivorian background, while the possibility of him playing for the Elephants had remained open.

That opportunity has now ended with his inclusion in the France squad.

Yoro’s first involvement with Les Bleus comes at the age of 20 and provides him with an early opportunity to begin his senior international career with France.

The defender has been called into the squad following Konaté’s injury, giving him the chance to take another major step in his career.

His selection means the Ivory Coast will now have to look elsewhere for players to strengthen their defensive options at international level.

For Yoro, however, the focus is now on France and his first experience with the national team.

The decision represents a significant moment for the defender, who has chosen to follow the French international pathway despite the interest previously shown by the Ivorian federation.

His first appearance for France will therefore carry additional significance, as it formally ends the possibility of him representing Ivory Coast in the future.

Yoro’s call up has finally resolved the question surrounding his international allegiance. The 20 year old will now begin his France career after being selected to replace Konaté.