Afellay to side with the Netherlands
Friday, January 26, 2007
Article summary
PSV Eindhoven's 20-year-old midfielder Ibrahim Afellay has opted to represent the Netherlands at international level despite also holding a Moroccan passport.
Article body
Easier path
The 20-year-old has told national team coach Marco van Basten about his decision, saying: "To play for either the Oranje or Morocco would be an honour for me, but the Dutch national side will help my development as a PSV player, because, for example, there are no Eredivisie games when the national team plays."
'Difficult choice'
Van Basten was pleased with the news. "I am happy that Ibrahim wants to play for the Netherlands," he said. "He is a good player with a lot of qualities, and if he keeps on developing he could play an important role in the future of the Oranje. It was a difficult choice for him - although born and raised in the Netherlands, I know that in his heart he also feels closely connected with Morocco and the Moroccan community."
First appearances
Having missed last summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship through injury, Afellay has never made a competitive appearance for the Netherlands in a UEFA tournament, at any level. He will now be available for the finals of the 2007 edition as the Jong Oranje look to defend their title on home soil. In all, Afellay has played 50 league games for the Eredivisie's defending champions PSV, scoring eight goals.