PSV’s Babadi on international allegiance: ‘I feel Dutch, but I want to give something back to my parents’ country’ | OneFootball

Isaac Babadi has put participation in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations out of his mind. As per VoetbalPrimeur, the 20-year-old midfielder had initially hoped to play for Sierra Leone, the country of his parents, in April and May. However, PSV head coach Peter Bosz doesn’t look to be cooperating, with a view to managing the young player’s game time at club level.

“I think it was a bit misinterpreted,” Babadi reflected on the way his country’s attention was in the news. “Of course, in the event that I play less and hardly play, then there might be opportunities to leave.

“In the past, you had that with boys who left with national teams in the middle of the season. But if the coach says it’s not possible, then I have to listen to that.”

Babadi was then asked: “Is it still possible in May? So that you only miss the last league matches?”

He responded, “To play for Sierra Leone? No, I don’t think so. A lot will have to happen before I play there. I always wanted to give something back to my country, to be honest. Although I feel completely Dutch. Both my parents are from Sierra Leone, you want to give something back to them. Maybe I can’t do more than just cheer them on.”

So far this season, Babadi has played 11 games in all competitions for Bosz’s side. With six outings arriving in the Eredivisie, four in the Champions League, and one in the KNVB Cup, he has clearly shown a capability that his debut 2023-24 campaign hinted at.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield