“I have dreamt to play for Algeria since childhood”, Boudebouz says to Echorouk

Ryad Boudebouz of Sochaux said he is very happy as he got his Algerian passport and expressed his will to play for Algeria in the World Cup. “I am sure that I will do a successful performance with the team,” he told Echorouk in an interview.

• How did you feel when you got your Algerian passport?
• I was very happy to get my passport on Tuesday. It is a step to join the Algerian team. All my family was happy for that. I am now waiting for the national coach to call me in.
• Did you find any hindrances?
• No. The adviser of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) helped me in taking all the documents and fulfilling all the necessary measures to get the Algerian passport.
• Did coach Rabeh Saadane call you before that?
• Yes. He called me and told me he wanted me to play for the national team. He also told me I am doing well with a famous French club like Sochaux. He advised me to be careful about injuries as he will rely on me in the next World Cup.
• Your choice to play for Algeria triggered controversy among well-known football figures. Some of them said you should have thought more about your decision. What is your comment?
• I made this decision from my heart. I have been dreaming of playing for the national team since I was child. My dream will come true soon with God willing.
• Were you influenced by somebody else to make this decision?
• I made this decision by myself and without hesitation. I wanted to join the Algerian team since a long time. It was the wish of my parents and all my relatives.
• Did you watch the national team in the World Cup qualifying matches and the decisive game against Egypt?
• I watched some of them including the decisive match against Egypt. The Algerian players showed a strong will power and determination to qualify. That made the difference between them and the Egyptian players.
• What do you think about the Algerian players’ level in the African Cup?
• We have a strong team. They gave the good image of the Algerian football. Algeria’s match against Côte d’Ivoire remains the first reference to this team. They showed superior techniques and discipline.
• The national team has more than four players holding the position of midfielder. That means competition will be fierce to get a place in the team. Are you concerned about that?
• That will motivate me to make more efforts to get a place among the players. We have to pay the price for that and do our best. That would come up with good results in the end.
• Algeria is in a group where there are Slovenia, the U.S. and England. What do you think about that?
• It is a strong team. Each team has its way of playing and its well-known players. Because of that, we will see fierce competition to qualify to the second round.
• What about Algeria’s chances?
• The Algerian team can beat the U.S. and Slovenia while England will be difficult to be defeated. Yet, it is not an impossible mission. We can make the surprise and qualify to the second round.
• What do you want to say to Echorouk’s readers and the Algerian people?
• I am officially with the Algerian team and I will do my best to make you enjoying the World Cup. Wait for me soon.