Hannibal Mejbri, the 20-year-old midfielder from Manchester United, has addressed his exclusion from Jalel Kabri’s squad for the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a public statement, putting an end to speculation and providing insights into his decision.
Despite amassing 27 caps with the Carthage Eagles since his debut in 2021, Mejbri finds himself absent from Tunisia’s AFCON roster.
The midfielder’s limited playing time at Manchester United, with only five appearances in the Premier League this season, coupled with rumors of a supposed night trip to Japan during the Asian tour in October, fueled speculation about the reasons behind his exclusion.
However, Kabri clarified that Mejbri was not included in the squad at his own request, a revelation affirmed by Mejbri himself in a social media post.
The Mancunian expressed gratitude to coach Jalel Kadri and the institution for their support, shedding light on his decision to prioritize readiness and calmness in his role.
Mejbri’s message also conveyed encouragement to his teammates, asserting their collective ownership of the upcoming AFCON challenge.
While some supporters of the Carthage Eagles appreciate Mejbri’s commitment to making a thoughtful decision, others express vehement disagreement, finding it challenging to comprehend the refusal to partake in a prestigious continental tournament that is the dream of many African footballers.
The situation also hints at Mejbri’s potential concerns about his standing at Manchester United.
Eager for more playing time, especially as his contract approaches its end this season, Mejbri has reportedly entertained the possibility of a loan move during the winter transfer window.
The transfer rumor mill has linked him with interest from clubs such as Olympique Lyonnais, Sevilla FC, and Fribourg, with these teams reportedly making direct inquiries to Manchester United about the conditions for a potential loan deal.
Merci au coach Jalel Kadri et à l’institution pour leur soutien. On ne peut participer à une telle compétition qu’en étant prêt et serein dans son rôle.
Courage à mes coéquipiers 🦅 Cette CAN est à nous ! 🇹🇳— Hannibal Mejbri (@HannibalMejbri) December 28, 2023
