A retired FIFA World Cup winner has now admitted he wanted to play for an African nation instead of the European team he represented.
Adil Rami was part of the France side that won the 2018 World Cup, and while he may have not made an appearance in the tournament, he still returned home with a winner's medal.
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The former centre-back made his debut for Les Bleus in 2010, and went on to make 36 appearances for the national side.
However, the 38-year-old has now revealed that before doing so, he initially wanted to represent the country both of his parents are from.
"I would have really loved to play with Morocco, of course. It's a source of pride. I really wanted to go there," he said in an interview, per Afrik-Foot.
He went on to share how Claude Puel, who managed Rami during his time at LOSC Lille, advised him to wait before making a decision.
"Claude Puel told me: 'Listen, basically, you don't know this world yet, take your time, and don't put any barriers in your way.'
"He saw the French team in me. I didn't realise it. First of all, I couldn't dream of being a professional footballer.
"Dreaming of returning to the French team was impossible.
"I didn't have the French team in mind, I wanted to play for Morocco.
"That's when Claude Puel told me: 'I respect Morocco, blah blah blah, but don't put any barriers in your way, you mustn't accept Morocco, you wait, that's it.'"
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