Achraf Hakimi's father has explained why his son chose to represent Morocco over Spain, with the Paris Saint-Germain star making the decision after an experience with the European country's U19 side.
The fullback has been an integral figure for the Atlas Lions at the World Cup in Qatar, with the team having made history in becoming the first African nation ever to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
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However, there was a time when Hakimi could have represented La Furia Roja, having been born in Madrid to Moroccan parents, who were originally from Casablanca.
This left the defender with a tough choice to make once it became clear a professional career was a real possibility during his time in Real Madrid's academy.
Hakimi has previously admitted he was raised in a "Moroccan Muslim home", saying that was why he chose to represent the African nation.
However, the 24-year-old's father, Hassan Hakim, has now offered a different version of events.
"With the U19s, they called him up to play a game in Fuenlabrada," he told Cadena SER, per Football Espana.
"As soon as he left, he said he doesn't like it.
"At this time he was already going to Morocco a lot.
"He leaves and says, 'I'm not coming back'. I don't know what happened. He said, 'I don't like it'.
"In the car, he told me he wasn't coming back, but he didn't tell me why.
"I give my son freedom. I thank Spain for everything, I have never said anything bad about Spain.
"But I prefer that he plays with Morocco."
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Hakimi's dad also revealed that he could easily have joined Atletico Madrid instead of Los Blancos in the late 2000s.
"He did trials for Atletico, they wanted to sign him," Hassan added.
"They gave him the contract, but we said no because, that week, we had a meeting with Real Madrid.
"I preferred that he signed with Real Madrid."
On Wednesday night, Hakimi and the rest of the Atlas Lions will take on France for a place in the final against Lionel Messi's Argentina on Sunday.
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