The Young Irish Player Chooses To Defend England

DBasia.news –  The young Irish player, Declan Rice, claimed to have hesitated when faced with two choices: England or Ireland.

Finally the West Ham United midfielder set his heart to choose to play for the England national team rather than Ireland.

In the release that he tweeted through his personal Twitter account, Rice actually chose to get two nationalities. He felt a part of the two countries. He has Irish blood flowing from his extended family. But he has been in England since birth.

“Like many people around the world, I consider myself as a mixed citizen. I am proud to be British born and raised in London. However, I am also proud of my family’s heritage and my connection with Ireland, “he wrote.

The decision to choose to play for the England national team rather than Ireland was admittedly by the 20-year-old player to be very difficult and not as simple. He believes that this decision is the best for him.

“I have the same respect and love for England and Ireland and therefore the national team I choose to represent is not a clear and simple choice.”

“This is a personal decision that I have made with my heart and mind, based on what I believe is the best for my future,” he continued.

According to FIFA rules, players who want to defend other countries’ national teams may not compete for other national teams in official matches.

Declan Rice himself has played three times for Ireland in 2018. But he only competed when Ireland underwent a trial match. He also had time to play at the junior level for Ireland.

Declan Rice is not the only player who moved national teams. Previously there was Diego Costa who chose to defend the Spanish national team compared to Brazil even though at that time he had played twice for the Brazilian national team. Other names include Wilfried Zaha, Thiago Motta, and Nacer Chadli.