PSV’s Ismael Saibari turns down approach from Belgium manager Roberto Martinez to play for Morocco instead | OneFootball

PSV’s Ismael Saibari was contacted by Roberto Martinez to discuss the possibility of playing for the Belgian national team but has chosen to represent Morocco instead.

Saibari has broken into the PSV first team this season, playing in all but two of the club’s first 12 matches of the campaign and impressing at times.

His performances have caught the eye of Belgium manager Martinez, who contacted Saibari to ask him whether he’d represent the country he’s grown up in if given the chance.

However, the 21-year-old has instead chosen to play for Morocco, the nation his parents are from.

“I thought it was great that such a big name from football came forward for me, but I told him that I choose Morocco,” he told Eindhovens Dagblad.

“He then let me know that I will remain welcome in the future, if I have not yet made my debut.

“I definitely choose Morocco and was recently also in the pre-selection for the World Cup… I made that choice with my heart.”