Star Player Snubs AFCON Call-Up, Chooses To Represent Spain At International Level

A promising youngster has rejected his national team's AFCON call-up after opting to represent Spain at international level, according to stunning reports. 

AFCON kicks off next month, with some of the world's best players heading to Cameroon.

Up-and-coming stars will also have the chance to shine and make a name for themselves in a major tournament. 

But Barcelona ace Eze Abde WON'T be one of those players having reportedly turned down Morocco's call-up. 

That's according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, who claim that the 20-year-old has opted to represent Spain.

It began with the player's entourage negotiating with Morocco to prevent him from representing his country despite being included in the squad.​

Fresh reports now suggest Abde has picked Spain over Morocco after switching his international allegiance.

The Moroccan-born winger has broken into the first-team at Barca, making eight La Liga appearances and scoring one goal this season. 

​Morocco manager Vahid Halihodzic had expressed his frustration at Barca's dealing with the situation. 

Speaking before reports of Abde's international switch, Halihodzic said:​​ "Eze Abde is an incredibly talented young player who will make a good career.

"He never turned down the national team, and I think that Barcelona are causing problems because they do not respect the African Cup of Nations enough.

"Great European clubs and FIFA simply do not respect enough. This is a great competition and that’s why problems like this happen. I’m sure Abde will appear at the gathering on January 3. We are counting on him because we need a penetrating player like him. I believe that Barcelona will show wisdom and react properly."

Xavi, meanwhile, was full of praise for the Barca starlet following his goal against Osasuna earlier this month.

"Abde is a differential player. He can make a difference, it is not because of the goal," said the Barca boss.

"He is a dagger. A marvel. It is a surprise. It is great news. They are making the difference in a tremendous way. But we all have to demand more from each other."​

So, Morocco will be without Abde's services as they face Comoros, Gabon and Ghana in the group stage round. 

Featured Image Credit: AFCON/PA

Topics: Football

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar