RMC Sport report this afternoon that Yannis Lagha, the 17-year-old Lyon midfielder who had been called up by both the Algeria and France U18 teams this week, has opted to play for Algeria.
With the two countries set to play each other twice at level U18 leve over the international break, Lagha had been included in both squad lists. With the midfielder having already turned out for the Algeria U17 team, he will now carry on with the same country.
A member of the Lyon man’s entourage stated that it was a “logical and natural” choice for him to carry on playing for Algeria, although it was “gratifying” to have been the subject of interest from French football authorities.
“But most of all, it makes sense that he continue to wear the Fennecs [Algeria national team] shirt with pride, having joined the 2004 generation last year. There is no reason to create a controversy around a young player like him.”
The French federation had stepped up its efforts to have Lagha play for France after his promising start to the season, having been top scorer of the domestic U19 leagues so far this season.
