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Friday, 26 January 2007, 14:39 GMT

Moroccan-born Afellay goes Dutch

Ibrahim Afellay

Ibrahim Afellay has decided to play for the Netherlands instead of Morocco at international level.

The 20-year-old PSV Eindhoven midfielder had deliberated for months over which team to represent and paid 'deep respect' to Morocco for its invitation.

"It was very flattering," Afellay said in a statement on Friday.

"Nevertheless, I consider the choice to play for the Netherlands in the future to be the right one.

"Playing for the Netherlands or Morocco would be an honour for me (but) playing for the Dutch team will also be good for my development as a player at PSV."

Holland coach Marco van Basten welcomed the decision taken by Afellay, whose parents are Moroccan.

"While he was born and raised in the Netherlands, I know that in his heart he has close links to Morocco and the Moroccan community," Van Basten said.

"I'm pleased Ibrahim has said he wants to play for the Netherlands in the future.

"He's a good footballer with many qualities who, if he continues to develop the way he is at PSV at the moment, will probably play an important role for the Netherlands in the coming years."

Afellay has injured his groin so will miss Holland's friendly against Russia in Amsterdam on 7 February.




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