Reda Jonhson : I’m proud to be Muslim and long to play to my country
In an exclusive interview with “Echourokâ€, the French-Algerian football “Amiens†player Reda Johnson is dead waiting an invitation to play with the Algerian squad adding that he feels more Algerian than American or French and proud to be Muslim.
Q: Your name is Johnson and hold an Algerian nationality, would you explain?
A: My full name is Reda Johnson, my father is an American of Benin origins and my mother is Algerian from Oran ‘western Algeria ) and I was born in Marseille in 1988.
Q: So you are rather American?
A: I’m Algerian and my name proves it, I don’t think that there is an American named Reda , I hold an Algerian nationality and my passport is green and talk Arabic.
Q: Why did you choose the Algerian nationality, while you’re from Benin origins?
A: My father left us when I was a kid, and brought up by my mother in Marseille, by chance she imparted in me Islamic principles and the love my country that I long to visit at earliest.
Q: Do you hold an American or Benin nationality?
A: I hold the Algerian because my mother is Algerian and a French one because I was born there and do not hold any other nationality.
Q: What it if you were asked to play for the French, the American or the Algerian squad, what would be your decision?
A: I’m only interested in playing to the Algerian squad, despite the fact the Americans contacted my manager, but my wish is to play to my country.
Q: Did the officials at the Algerian football associations talk to you?
A: The first and last touch was made by the coach Mustapha Heddane three months ago, but nothing since.
Q: Would you please talk about your professional background?
A: I started in Olympic Marseille training camp, then moved to Auxeres and Gueugnion afterwards, last year I signed my first professional contract with Amiens for three years.
Q: Do you feel comfortable with your team?
A: Yes, but nothing is sure as to my future; I can either stay or leave.
Q: So there is chance to see you against PSG in the semi finals of the French cup?
A: I hope so, that would be a wishful dream to clinch my first title and dedicated to my fellow citizens.