Amin Chiakha has reflected on the personal decision that led him to represent Algeria instead of Denmark, revealing the emotional challenge behind his choice.
The striker, born in Copenhagen, recently joined Rosenborg on loan from Vejle in Norway, seeking a fresh start after an earlier loan spell failed to yield consistent form.
Chiakha hopes to revive his career at the Norwegian club while keeping his sights on the Algerian national team, for which he has already earned two caps.
In an interview with Norwegian channel TV2, Chiakha described the dilemma he faced in the fall of 2024 when deciding between Denmark, the country of his birth and his mother’s homeland, and Algeria, his father’s country.
“I felt like I had to choose between my mother and my father. My mother helped me a lot by telling me they would support me no matter what. That gave me the freedom to choose,” he said.
The 21-year-old ultimately opted for Algeria, a decision he described as emotionally charged and significant for his personal development.
“I didn’t want to disappoint her, it was difficult. But when she told me that, it helped me enormously. Making such an important decision is a moment when you become an adult,” Chiakha explained.
At Rosenborg, Chiakha has set his sights on both personal and collective progress. He expressed a desire to contribute to a competitive and ambitious project, emphasising the importance of commitment and positivity.
“The higher you are, the easier it is to be positive. The city needs to see a team that is hungry and fighting. We have to give a lot of ourselves,” he said.
Chiakha’s story highlights the emotional complexities faced by dual-nationality players in choosing their international allegiance.
While he continues to establish himself at club level, the young striker remains focused on proving his value on both the domestic and international stage.
