Lazio-Roma Mourad Megheni to Echorouk: “I am excited about playing for Algeria”

Lazio-Roma’s midfield player and Algerian born Mourad Megneni said he is keen to play for his national team if his situation is settled vis-à-vis the FIFA.

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• Are you planning to stay in Lazio the next season?
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• I have a three-season contract with my team Lazio. Things will be clearer after the end of the season. I have played 19 matches because of my injury.
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• Is there any offer from other teams?
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• So far, there is no offer but I will meet with my manager after the end of the season to see what to do.
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• Do you want to leave the Italian championship?
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• Every player in the world wants to play at the Italian championship because it is the best in the world. I think I am going to stay in Italy unless something unexpected happens.
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• So, you agree with the idea of leaving the French championship for Maghreb born players?
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• We must not think in this way. There are many Algerian, Tunisian and Moroccan players who succeeded in the French championship like Ben Arbia, Belmadi and Ben Zema. Things are pure technical.
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• But all the Algerian players who left the French championship did a good job like Antar Yahia, Nadir Belhadj, Matmour and Amri Chadli?
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• Maybe, but there is Ziani for example who is brilliant in Marseille.
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• Everyone expected that you would be Zineddine Zidane’s successor but it was not the case after you won UEFA European Under-17 Championship. Why is that?
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• I did a wonderful championship and I could lead Europe to victory but injuries prevented me of keeping up playing for the French team.
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• Have you regretted playing for the French team as you are not a French international player anymore though you played for one of the strongest Italian teams? 
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• I did not regret playing for the French team. Each player dreams of playing for such strong team. I was born in Paris and I have French nationality.
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• Will you accept to play for Algeria if your situation is settled in the FIFA?
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• I am excited about playing for the Algerian team. I hope that the FIFA will pass laws to allow players like me representing our native countries.