Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki explains DR Congo choice over Belgium before England World Cup clash | OneFootball

Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki has explained choosing DR Congo over Belgium as the Leopards prepare to meet England at the World Cup.

Born in Belgium, he came through Anderlecht’s academy, played for Belgium up to under-20 level and made his senior debut under Vincent Kompany.

He committed to DR Congo in 2023 and has since become a key part of the squad, having joined Sunderland from Union Saint-Gilloise last summer.

“My choice of DR Congo did not go down well at home, and my parents did not understand why.” He told Olympics.com earlier this year.

“But like I always say, this was, as is, a deeply personal choice. People forget that I fell in love with Congo as a child, watching almost every game they played on the TV.”

“There will be setbacks along the way, but you have to grit your teeth and see it through.”

His remarks have resurfaced before DR Congo’s meeting with England, and his stance mirrors a wider move by dual-national players towards African national teams.

Source: Sunderland Echo