Eli Junior Kroupi confirms France commitment despite interest from Cote d’Ivoire and Portugal

Eli Junior Kroupi has chosen to represent France at international level, ending uncertainty over his future with the striker eligible to play for Cote d’Ivoire and Portugal.

The 20-year-old Bournemouth forward confirmed his preference in an interview with DAZN, making clear that he wants to continue his international career with France.

Kroupi was developed in France and has represented the country through its various youth teams. His decision follows that path and reflects his ambition to eventually earn a place in the France senior squad.

Cote d’Ivoire and Portugal were options

Kroupi’s family background gave him the opportunity to choose between several national teams. His father is Ivorian, meaning he was eligible to represent Cote d’Ivoire, while his maternal heritage also made him eligible for Portugal.

Portugal had shown interest in the forward before the World Cup, but Kroupi is reported to have turned down that approach. By publicly committing himself to France, he has now made his international preference clear.

His decision removes one potential option for both the Ivorian and Portuguese national teams, but for Kroupi it represents a continuation of the route he has followed throughout his development.

Injury has delayed Bournemouth return

Kroupi’s international decision comes as he works his way back from a foot injury suffered this summer.

The former FC Lorient player enjoyed a highly promising previous campaign in the Premier League, scoring 13 goals for Bournemouth. Those performances underlined his potential and attracted interest from several major clubs, with Paris Saint-Germain among the sides linked with him during the last summer transfer window.

However, the injury has interrupted his progress. Kroupi has yet to feature in a competitive match since the start of the season, although he could return in the coming weeks if his physical condition continues to improve.

His immediate priority is to regain his fitness and competitive rhythm with Bournemouth. His club form will also be central to any hopes of securing a first call-up to France’s senior team.

At 20, Kroupi still has significant room for development, but his displays in England have already prompted discussion about a possible place with the France senior side.

The choice of national team has now been made, but a first senior appearance for France remains to be earned. Kroupi must first return to the pitch for Bournemouth and then reproduce the form that made him one of the Premier League’s most closely watched young forwards.