This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Heba Press – Sports
The young Moroccan player, Omar Hilali, star of Espanyol, revealed his decision to reject tempting offers from big clubs like Barcelona and Manchester United, and his choice to join the Espanyol Academy with total conviction, emphasizing that his decisions were reasoned. through his personal feelings and his conviction, far from financial temptations.
Choosing Espanyol over Barcelona and Manchester United
Al-Hilali explained, during an interview with the Spanish newspaper “AS”, that he had the opportunity to join the Barcelona academy, in addition to an attractive offer from Manchester United, but that he chose to continue with Espanyol.
He said: “I followed the sensations of my heart and I felt that Espanyol was the right team for me, and the sporting project I chose was the right one, because now I am living a dream. »
His position on financial temptations
Al-Hilali stressed that financial temptations did not affect his decision, adding: “Despite attempts by Manchester United and Barcelona to recruit me, I have been clear in my desire to stay at Espanyol. Sometimes money can make you doubt, but I didn’t hesitate because I knew what I wanted.
Choosing to play for Morocco
Regarding his representation in the Moroccan national teams, Al-Hilali said: “My heart told me that I should play for Morocco. I wanted to make my parents proud. “I had no doubt about this decision and I still believe it was the right choice. »
He added: “I have nothing against Spain, it is not a racist country. “If that had been the case, my parents would have quickly returned to Morocco. »
His football career
Al-Hilali, 21, was promoted to Espanyol’s first team this season and has appeared in 17 matches in the Spanish League.
He has also represented the Moroccan national team on numerous occasions, in the under-20 and under-23 categories.
