2018 World Cup Winner Reveals How His Father Was Hurt After He Chose France Over Algeria

2018 World Cup Winner Reveals How His Father Was Hurt After He Chose France Over Algeria

Lukman Mumuni
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:09 PM
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  • France-born Algerian Nabil Fekir has revealed that his father was not happy with his decision to represent Les Bleus
  • The 29-year-old was born in Lyon to Algerian parents but decided to play for the French national team at senior level
  • Real Betis star Nabil Fekir played a role as the European giants won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

Nabil Fekir has made a shocking revelation about his decision to pick France over Algeria for his international career.

The Real Betis star was born in France to Algerian parents, but decided to represent the country of his birth at the expense of his father's preference.

The 2018 World Cup winner revealed his father was hurt by his choice of international career.

Nabil Fekir, World Cup, France, Algeria
Nabil Fekir has revealed that his father was hurt by his decision to play for France instead of Algeria. Credit: AFP/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
"He didn’t want it. That’s normal," Fekir told The Guardian. "I understand that perfectly.

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"He has all his family there, he grew up there. His whole life was there. It hurt him a bit when I chose France. But that’s life: there are decisions, and that was mine. I take responsibility.
"That was very hard for me. My dad arrived in France the year before I was born; my mum is Algerian but had been there longer. Every year or so I would go to Algeria. I feel French and Algerian."

Fekir played six games as France won the World Cup in Russia four years ago.

The highly-rated midfielder in the past was linked with moves to Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Kylian Mbappe scores four as France book World Cup place

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that the Group D result cemented France's place on the summit of the pool with 15 points, four ahead of Finland who sits second.

The Saturday, November 13, clash staged at Parc des Princes saw Kylian Mbappe make history after hitting four of the eight goals.

Mbappe scored his side's opener inside just six minutes of action before doubling the advantage in the 12th minute.

Nabil Fekir opens up on failed Liverpool move

French attacker Nabil Fekir has recalled his failed move to Premier League outfit Liverpool in the summer of 2018.

Fekir, 29, was a top transfer target for Liverpool following the departure of talisman Philippe Coutinho to Spanish giants FC Barcelona.

The deal was almost done with the Reds agreeing to secure the services of the 2018 World Cup winner at a fee of £48.4million with a further £4.4 million in bonuses.

Authors
Lukman Mumuni photo
Lukman Mumuni
Lukman Abdul Mumin is a Sports Journalist based in Accra, Ghana. He has been writing for the past five years. Lukman joined Sports Brief as an Editor for the Local Desk in 2022.
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